Steelers QB Russell Wilson takes big step in recovery from injury

LATROBE, Pa. — Russell Wilson’s workload took a noticeable step forward on Tuesday, as the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback continues to recover from a calf injury.

For the first time in training camp, Wilson participated in the walk-through ahead of practice. That set the tone, as he sprinted for the first time during warmups. Then, during the Steelers’ Seven Shots period to open practice — a segment with seven full-contact (except for the QB) snaps from the 2-yard-line — Wilson took four of the seven reps. It represented the first time he has participated in this period, a significant stride toward a full return.

Wilson handed the ball off on three of his four snaps in this segment of practice. After the QB completed a pass to receiver George Pickens, a Steelers staffer screamed, “Your first touchdown as a Steeler!”

During 11-on-11 periods, Wilson showed more signs of progress, taking seven total reps. Out of the 11 total snaps (seven in 11-on-11 and four in Seven Shots), Wilson had 11 total team reps. He handed the ball off six times and completed 4 of 5 passes.

Russell Wilson jogging during warmups earlier today pic.twitter.com/69YA5Siadw

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 6, 2024

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields throwing routes on air earlier today pic.twitter.com/FbuE16m873

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 6, 2024

“It was about not taking steps backwards as we move forward,” Tomlin said when asked about Wilson’s increased workload.

The Steelers signed Wilson this offseason to a low-cost, low-risk deal. At the time, Tomlin promised competition between the quarterbacks but gave Wilson the edge when he said he was in “pole position.” However, the so-called competition has been complicated by an injury.

Wilson said last week he was pushing a sled during the team’s conditioning test when he tweaked his calf. Throughout last week, when the Steelers put on the pads for the first time, Wilson took part in all individual drills and in seven-on-seven periods. However, he was a very limited participant in team periods, almost always handing the ball off during a handful of snaps. Before Tuesday, he had thrown the ball only once during those settings, presumably so he wouldn’t have to evade a live rush or worry about linemen landing at his feet.

“Russ has been great,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “Obviously, (we’re working) just to get on the same page as him, just watching extra film with him, getting reps after practice and before practice. Just those little things like that until he gets fully back and we get (more of) those 11-on-11 looks.”

The Steelers are scheduled to practice Wednesday and Thursday before their first preseason game Friday against the Houston Texans. It remains to be seen how much, if at all, Wilson will play.

In Wilson’s absence, Justin Fields has been taking the majority of the first-team reps. When asked Tuesday how Fields has taken advantage of the opportunity, Tomlin said, “I think we’re still writing that story.”

“I like the attention that he brings to the things we’re trying to get done,” Tomlin said. “He’s really been focused on his lower body in the pocket, for example. He’s doing a nice job of that. But, we’ve got a lot of ongoing projects and things that we’re focused on in terms of getting better. He’s doing a nice job of it.”

(Photo: Joe Sargent / Getty Images)