Oct. 11—After his first two full practices since early September, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson is set to make his season debut as a backup rather than an emergency quarterback.
Justin Fields, who became the starter after Wilson suffered a calf strain during practice on Sept. 5, will continue to serve as QB1 for the Steelers on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3).
Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, has vowed to be ready for his first regular-season start since signing with the Steelers as a free agent in March, whenever the time comes. He trained fully on Wednesday and Thursday, but his status for Sunday has yet to be determined.
“I’ve been to a lot of football games and had a lot of moments,” the 35-year-old Wilson said Thursday. “I’m not afraid of them. I’m ready to rock.”
“I’m confident I’ll be ready to play … and play at a high level. I think we’re being smart, too, trying to understand how I’m feeling.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that Wilson is healthy and able to practice without restrictions. How well the veteran quarterback practices and his ability to protect himself will determine what happens next for the Steelers. Wilson did not play in the first five games.
Wilson was named the starter after the final preseason game in August but was limited in practice before Atlanta’s Week 1 opener. His status hasn’t changed since then, with Fields leading the Steelers to three wins early in the season before the team lost its final two games.
Fields, 25, completed a career-high 67.6 percent of his passes for 961 yards, five touchdowns and one interception in five starts. He also rushed for 172 yards and three scores.
Wilson last started on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos ruled him out for the final two games of the 2023 regular season as a contract dispute led to the former Super Bowl champion’s release.
“For me, I’m just getting ready for the game,” Wilson said. “That’s my mindset, no matter what happens, I’m preparing for Friday to get us a win.
“It’s not like I haven’t been there. I’ve practiced a lot during this time. I trust my players and who we are.”
——Visual-level media
