The Pittsburgh Steelers revamped quarterback room in the 2024 offseason. Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Kyle Allen were all acquired during and fans are fairly optimistic about the position. Fields and Wilson are competing for the starting job, but it will likely go to Wilson as he is considered to be the front-runner. Wilson has been dealing with a minor calf injury which has allowed Fields to close the gap in the competition, as he has seen an uptick in snaps.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Quarterback Russell Wilson at his first OTAs with the team.
Wilson was limited throughout the first week and a half of training camp. He suffered a minor calf injury while pushing a sled during the team's conditioning test, and he sat out the first few practices as a precautionary measure.
He returned to being a full participant in practice leading up to the first preseason game against the Houston Texans, but sat out of the contest. Steelers insider Brian Batko went on 93.7 The Fan on Saturday and was asked how concerned fans should be about Wilson's health.
"You have to worry about it, I think that's been the concern from the jump since we found out about this. Once you get to a certain age, and he's 35 going to turn 36 during the season, it always becomes a worry with any player. We've seen some of the older quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers, the Kirk Cousins, deal with some of these significant lower-body injuries, and right now his is insignificant, you hope it stays that way."
Wilson is on the tail-end of his career and, at his age, injuries are more difficult to come back from. The injury he is currently working through is relatively minor, but it could always lead to something else. Both Kirk Cousins and Aaron Rodgers suffered season-ending achilles injuries during the 2023 season. Rodgers had a similar injury to Wilson during the 2023 offseason, and his season ended after four snaps.
Elsa Garrison / Getty Images
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers stands in front of the media during his introductory press conference.
There may not be any correlation between Rodgers' two injuries, but it's a reason for the Steelers to be especially careful with how they handle Wilson. It's ridiculous that the 35-year old quarterback was pushing a sled for a conditioning test in the first place, so the organization needs to make sure they don't botch his recovery as well.
If Wilson's calf injury were to rise again, Pittsburgh has made sure they are set at the quarterback position. In 2023, Pittsburgh had three quarterbacks start multiple games. If three quarterbacks are needed again in 2024, the team should not struggle. Both Fields and Allen have plenty of starts under their belt. They each have their issues, but Fields has sky-high potential due to his athleticism and Allen is a steady veteran who can lead an offense.
Fans want to see Wilson take snaps in a game setting, but it's important the coaching staff doesn't rush him onto the field. It is crucial Wilson is at full health when Week 1 roles around if the organization plans on him being the starter.
AP
Steelers Quarterback Russell Wilson will have plenty to prove during training camp 2024 as he tries to revitalize his career.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Is Looking To Revive His Career
The 2024 season in Pittsburgh is likely Wilson's last chance to prove that he can be a full-time starter in the NFL. If he can't succeed with the Steelers, his career will be on life support. He had two seasons with the Denver Broncos, which were up and down. He struggled mightily in 2022, but was quietly one of the better quarterbacks in the league during the 2023 season as he threw 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
Wilson was not a part of Sean Payton's future plans for the Broncos organization, so he was released. Now, the once sure-fire Hall Of Famer has a lot of pressure on him to prove he can still start in the league.
Are you worried about Wilson's injury? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
