Steelers' Mike Tomlin Praises Russell Wilson's Awe-Inspiring Behavior In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers have started the 2024 season strong with being one of nine teams still undefeated at 2-0. They have relied on Justin Fields to lead the offense with Russell Wilson still on the sidelines nursing his calf injury he sustained at the start of training camp. Fields has done the job that the Steelers have needed him to do: take care of the ball and milk as much clock as he can. Unfortunately, it hasn't led to many points on the scoreboard with just one touchdown so far into the year. As Wilson continues to work towards getting cleared, he hasn't let the setbacks get to him mentally.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke with the media Tuesday afternoon ahead of the team's home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. He was asked how he has gotten to know Wilson through this process and how difficult it has been telling him no when it comes to playing on Sundays. Tomlin quickly states that it isn't hard telling him no since Wilson still hasn't been medically cleared, but has been very impressed with his professional behavior.

"In terms of getting to know him, it's been a pleasure. You don't have a type of career that Russ has had without behaving in a certain way. I know that, any of us in our business knows that, and it is just cool to see that behavior, that professionalism, that approach to business that makes his type of career happen."

While Wilson would love to be out on the field leading the offense, he has stepped into a mentor role to Fields on the sidelines. Tomlin credits Wilson's professionalism and something that the younger guys should look up to. 

While Wilson could be upset that the staff has kept him shelved to start the regular season, it hasn't stopped him from being the vocal leader on and off the field.

"It's good for young guys to see, to glean from it, to learn from, but also to mimic it. So it's really good to have veterans around that have been to the mountain top if you will, professionally and seen a lot and experienced a lot. It's helpful in a lot of levels."

Tomlin has been clear from the beginning that Wilson was in pole position to start. He was even preparing to have Wilson start in their Week 1 matchup in Atlanta. Until the medical staff is certain that his injury isn't a concern, the Steelers will continue to keep him as their emergency backup. They'll continue to prepare for their Week 3 home opener as if Wilson will not be cleared, leaving Fields to lead the offense for the third straight week.

The Steelers' offense has been able to just do enough to win games so far in 2024. They are controlling the time of possession, allowing their defense time to rest -- something unheard of in the Matt Canada era. The concern is still the lack of touchdowns they have produced. With only one touchdown through two games and averaging just 15.5 points per game, they must find ways to end drives in the end zone. If the offense continues to lack in that area, a cleared Wilson could easily be inserted into the starting role.

Steelers' Russell Wilson Continues To Move Forward 

The Steelers will keep eyes on Wilson's progress as he continues to work back from his injury. Until he is back to full participation, Fields will continue to try to prove that he deserves the starting role. If the offense continues to fall short of the end zone, Tomlin will likely go back to his original choice in Wilson (when healthy). Right now, the Steelers' focus is the Chargers, who are also undefeated this season. Wilson is familiar with the Chargers, as he faced them twice a year during his stint with the Denver Broncos. If he is once again not cleared to play, he will give as much insight to Fields as he can on their defensive personnel. 

Will Steelers fans ever see Wilson on the field? Or will he continue the season being the positive leader on the sidelines? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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