Steelers' Russell Wilson Is Clear Winner Of Last Day In Latrobe; Feels Confident And "Ahead Of Schedule"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their final day of training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, and quarterback Russell Wilson took his spot as the top quarterback. This came after weeks of Justin Fields, the apparent backup, taking over the top spot while Wilson nursed a calf injury. 

Even though both Wilson and Fields are new to the Black and Gold, Wilson was given "pole position" by Head Coach Mike Tomlin almost immediately to be the likely starter of the team. That isn't surprising given that Wilson has vastly more experience and success, having been selected to nine Pro Bowls and helping the Seattle Seahawks win a Super Bowl. 

While Wilson took a temporary backseat, Fields used that to make a case for why he should be considered the starting quarterback. Numerous media members and fans believe Fields would surpass Wilson and take over as the starter. Unfortunately for Fields, there were some issues with ball exchange during the first preseason game against the Houston Texans. This wouldn't be the first time Fields has been criticized for fumbling the ball. 

Wilson however, was back with a vengeance for the last practice at Latrobe. According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the offense won the final seven shots drill at SVC. Wilson took the first four reps and had three completions. His single incompletion seemed to be due to a miscommunication with wide receiver Van Jefferson. After practice, Wilson spoke with the media and told Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reporter Chris Adamski that he felt he did a great job in a video Adamski posted on X. He said that the offense had a lot of touchdowns. He told Adamski that he did not feel the time he missed cost him anything.  

"I feel good," said Wilson. "I've been working every single day. Even the days I was a little bit lighter in team [drills], I was just getting all the fundamental work. Then obviously, over the past two weeks, I've really been building up a lot more reps in team drills and everything else, that's been great. I feel really good. I'm ahead of schedule."

The Steelers will host the Buffalo Bills for a joint practice and their second preseason game, and Wilson is expected to start. If Wilson feels he is facing increased pressure based on Fields' success, he certainly isn't showing it. 

The real question is, which Wilson do the Steelers have? Is it the hungry player from 2020 who threw for 4,212 yards, 40 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions, or is this the quarterback the Denver Broncos couldn't wait to get rid of? Wilson appears eager to prove that he is still the first-ballot Hall of Fame player who still has what it takes to lead a team to a championship. The Bills game will give him his first taste of real action in the Steel City. 

Is Steelers' Russell Wilson Injury Prone Now?

While Wilson's calf injury seemed to be a fluke, as he was pushing a sled during conditioning, it has raised some concerns that the 35-year-old might be prone to injuries. This seems to be a reasonable concern for a player turning 36 during the season. 

Tom Brady set a ridiculous precedent, playing well into his 40s, but it is nearly impossible to compare any other mere mortal to Brady. Brady was fortunate enough to sustain few injuries during his 23-season career. But history has shown us, with our own Ben Roethlisberger, that the body starts to break down when subjected to constant wear and tear. 

Draft Sharks seem to believe Tomlin's comment that Wilson's injury was minor. Tomlin said they wanted to prevent something minor from becoming something significant. They noted that Wilson is a low injury risk for 2024 at only 38.4%.

How do you think Wilson will perform this season? Click to comment below. 

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