Russell Wilson may have won the quarterback competition in Pittsburgh, but his status for the season opener in Atlanta is now in question.
Wilson was officially named as a limited participant in Thursday's practice by Mike Tomlin, saying that his calf tightened up during the session.
"We wanted to exercise some precaution," Tomlin told reporters after practice. "We'll see what tomorrow looks like and go from there."
The Steelers will get Wilson examined, which will help determine his prognosis.
Tomlin said there are no long-term concerns regarding the injury. However, he also confirmed this is the same calf Wilson injured at the start of training camp. History is not on Wilson's side in terms of re-aggravating injuries, especially something as tricky as a calf injury.
If you're looking for a sliver of solace, Dejan Kovacevic saw Wilson walking around in the locker room seemingly with no issues.
Though the quarterback competition in training camp always favored Wilson, the team has rallied around him. The players have responded to his leadership, which is one of the main reasons why Wilson was named one of the four team captains.
As far preparation for Sunday's matchup against the Falcons, Tomlin said the injury doesn't alter how they'll approach the game. Due to Wilson's injury keeping him limited throughout training camp and the preseason, Justin Fields has gotten plenty of work with the starting offense. Should Wilson not be able to go Sunday, the Steelers will be comfortable with Fields under center.
"I'm extremely comfortable if that is the case, certainly," Tomlin said.
Fields impressed a lot of people during camp and the preseason. With the number of reps he's gotten with the starters, he may even be better equipped for the start. Either way, the offense is as prepared as can be, regardless of who's at quarterback.
"Obviously, Russ is a great competitor," Van Jefferson said after practice. "He wants to be out there. If Justin has to step out there, he’s more than prepared to do that. But at the end of the day, we’re just going out there and playing. Whoever gets out there, the job still has to get done. So both quarterbacks are capable of doing that on Sunday and we’re just going to roll with who ever’s out there."
