Rapoport: Steelers Likely To Sit Russell Wilson Again In Week 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields was a major storyline throughout the offseason. Speculation swirled that Fields might challenge Wilson for the starting role. When the Steelers traded for Fields, they made it clear they wanted him to learn under Wilson, and many believed there wasn’t a true competition for the job. Ultimately, Wilson was named the starter ahead of the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

However, during Thursday’s practice leading up to the game, Wilson was limited due to a lingering calf issue, raising doubts about his availability. Then, just 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday, Wilson informed Fields he couldn’t start, giving Fields the opportunity to take the reins.

Fields stepped up and led the Steelers to an 18-10 victory over the Falcons. Now, Steeler Nation is left wondering when Wilson will return as the starter. NFL insider Ian Rapoport told Ryan Edwards that there’s a good chance Fields will start again in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos.

It would be a surprising turn if Wilson misses this game, especially since it’s against his former team, the Broncos. Over the past two seasons with Denver, Wilson struggled, managing only 11 wins. By the end of 2023, the Broncos viewed him as such a disappointment that they agreed to pay millions just to move on from him. Many were eager to see Wilson face the team that blamed him for their failures, setting the stage for a showdown to see who gets the last laugh.

However, it’s looking more likely that Wilson will be sidelined again. He has been dealing with a nagging calf injury since the start of training camp, which he initially hurt during a conditioning test while pushing a sled. This injury caused him to miss several practices early in camp, limiting his participation for an extended period and giving Fields extra reps with the first-team offense.

As the week progresses, more updates on Wilson’s status will emerge. According to Rapoport, Wilson is currently not expected to play against the Broncos, but he is monitoring how he feels. If he believes he can go, he will suit up. Still, the Steelers have been cautious with their 35-year-old quarterback, as the calf injury has persisted for some time.

If Fields does end up starting, it’s not the worst-case scenario. The Steelers are confident they have two capable starting quarterbacks, though they believe Wilson is their best option to win games right now. Fortunately, they have an exciting and capable backup in Fields, giving them depth and flexibility at the position.

Steelers' Justin Fields Played Well In Week 1

In Week 1, Fields appeared somewhat limited by the coaching staff, as he wasn’t asked to throw the football often. However, when he did, he delivered big plays. Fields had a solid outing, completing 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards while also showcasing his running ability with 14 carries for 57 yards.

Although he didn’t lead the offense to any touchdowns, Fields managed the game effectively and demonstrated his exciting potential as a dual-threat quarterback. There's a mix of disappointment and excitement surrounding Fields' opportunity, and Steelers fans will be hoping he can build on his performance if he starts against Denver.

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