Russell Wilson’s Status Up in the Air For Steelers’ Week 1 Opener

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be going to their backup quarterback to start the 2024 NFL season.

On Friday, one day after he was limited in practice with calf tightness, Steelers starting quarterback Russell Wilson spoke to reporters with caution as he described his Week 1 status.

Read more: Steelers QB Russell Wilson Limited in Practice With Calf Injury as Week 1 Approaches

“I didn’t do much (in practice),” Wilson said, “only a couple things.”

When asked if he was expected to start on Sunday: “I’m trying to get my body ready to go and rock and roll. Just doing everything we can.”

Wilson was named the Steelers’ starting quarterback last week, beating out former Chicago Bears starter Justin Fields for the job. Wilson signed with the Steelers this offseason after being cut by the Denver Broncos and was happy to get another opportunity to start at the NFL level.

Read more: Russell Wilson Speaks Out Following Steelers’ Decision to Make Him QB1 Over Justin Fields

“What a great moment it is and being locked into that and having a heart of gratitude every day. This game is such a blessing every time you get to do it. I’m just excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Wilson said last week. “Obviously, I came here to help us win. That’s the focus. The best part is how hard we’ve all worked every day all the way from OTAs to Latrobe. Obviously, we’ve got a great season ahead of us.”

Unfortunately, a calf injury has suddenly put a damper on what should have been an exciting week for Wilson. If he’s unable to go, Fields will get his opportunity to lead the Steelers in their Week 1 opener against the Atlanta Falcons. A strong performance by Fields in a potential start could make things very interesting in Pittsburgh.

For now, Wilson isn’t worried about any of that. He’s just trying to do everything he can to be ready to play come Sunday.

“If I can go, I’m going to go and try to do everything I can to help us win,” Wilson said. “If not, I’m going to do everything I can to help us win in that way, too.

The Steelers open their season on Sunday in Atlanta. Then, their Week 2 matchup is in Denver against Wilson’s former team, the Broncos. It’s safe to assume Wilson has had that one circled on his calendar since the schedule came out.

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