Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson endured calf tightness during Thursday’s practice, according to coach Mike Tomlin, limiting the passer’s participation after practicing fully Wednesday.
Tomlin confirmed it’s the same calf that kept Wilson out of the start of training camp. When asked if there are any long-term concerns about the injury, Tomlin said, “None.” Tomlin declined to say when Wilson reported the tightness.
Prior to this injury, Wilson seemed set to make his regular season debut with the Steelers during the team’s Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Wilson was scheduled to speak to reporters after Thursday’s practice but his media availability was canceled.
Justin Fields would likely replace Wilson if the former Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos passer can’t play Sunday.
Wilson, 35, missed time in training camp with a calf injury, but returned to practice and made his preseason debut against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17. Tomlin publicly tabbed Wilson as the starter on Aug. 28 beating out Fields.
Fields carries experience as a starter given his years as QB1 with the Chicago Bears before being traded to Pittsburgh this offseason. Fields and Wilson, who signed with the Steelers before the Fields trade, are transitioning to a new team and offense guided by former Falcons coach Arthur Smith.
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