The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their 2024 training camp nearly three weeks ago, and Russell Wilson has been one of the bigger headlines. On the first day of practice, he woke up with some unusual tightness in his calf. The coaching staff and Wilson wanted to take some precautionary measures. Wilson was held out of practice for a few days before eventually becoming a limited participant. It wasn't until Tuesday's practice that he finally participated in team drills.
Alysa Rubin / Steelers.com
Steelers' Russell Wilson during training camp ahead of the 2024 season.
Wilson's absence from practice has opened the door slightly for Justin Fields. He was able to take all of the first-team snaps, while Wilson was sidelined. He certainly took advantage of them and opened some eyes amongst the coaching staff. Wilson did himself a disservice by missing the time that he did, as Fields provides a higher upside for the offense when he is on the field. Brooke Pryor of ESPN reported the uptick in Wilson's participation on Tuesday, and noted he even took part in some contact drills like seven shots.
That’s a wrap on the sweatiest day of practice. Russell Wilson’s participation significantly increased with him rotating in most team periods, sometimes with Fields, other times with Kyle Allen. He also took four reps in 7 shots, his unit scoring on three of them.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 6, 2024
These are good signs for fans, as Wilson is finally getting some real team reps. Prior to Tuesday, he handed the ball off a few times during the team's 11-on-11 periods and threw during seven-on-seven, but nothing that really allowed the coaching staff to evaluate him thoroughly. Now that Wilson is starting to rotate into these drills that could include contact, the Steelers' quarterback competition should be able to gain some clarity.
AP
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will have plenty to prove during training camp 2024 as he tries to revitalize his career.
An interesting note about Wilson rotating in to some team drills on Tuesday is that he was playing with both the starters and the backups, while Fields played with the first-string unit. It was his first day back, so this could mean nothing and the coaching staff just wanted to see him on the field -- no matter who he was with. Or, Fields could have really impressed with how he has performed up until this point and truly has a leg up on Wilson.
There should be more clarity about the quarterback situation as the week goes on, as long as Wilson doesn't see any setbacks with his injury. It will be interesting to see how the practice reps with the first-team are split up between the two quarterbacks moving forward. Pittsburgh will play their first preseason game on Friday, but the coaching staff may not feel comfortable putting Wilson out there as he tries to get back to 100 percent.
Associated Press
Steelers' Justin Fields running with the football during camp while OC Arthur Smith gets hype.
Steelers' Justin Fields Will Have An Important Showing On Friday Night
The Houston Texans will be coming to Pittsburgh on Friday to take on the Steelers, and it'll be an important test for Fields. Head Coach Mike Tomlin usually plays all of his starters some during the preseason to get a small look at them. Assuming Wilson sits out due to injury, Fields will probably see some extended playing time. He has impressed during practice, but it's crucial to make sure that carries over to a game setting.
Fields has had a rocky career so far, and typically performs well in camp, but then struggles some during the regular season. He's won just 10 games as a starting quarterback in the NFL and has had serious issues with taking sacks and turnovers. Pittsburgh needs to see those problems evaporate during the preseason in order to even consider Fields for the starting job.
With both quarterbacks on the field in some capacity, fans should be able to start to see the offense take true form - while also getting a glimpse of a quarterback competition.
Who do you want to start Week 1 for Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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