Russell Wilson injury update: Latest on Pittsburgh Steelers QB ahead of opener vs. Falcons

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson’s status to play in the Steelers’ opener against Atlanta on Sunday is still up in the air, though the quarterback feels he could play, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury.

Late on Saturday, Schefter reported that Wilson informed the team he was capable of playing in the opener. However, the Steelers are seeking to be more cautious with the decision.

A final call on Wilson’s status — he’s been listed as questionable entering the weekend — will be decided closer to kick off on Sunday.

If Wilson cannot play, Justin Fields is the presumed starter.

Save $30 on your first month of Fubo by CLICKING HERE NOW! For a limited time, you can get your first month of Fubo for as low as $49.99. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

The Steeler and Falcons kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday in Atlanta.

The Steelers could be trending toward starting Fields

As the Steelers started practice ahead of the season opener, all indications were Wilson would start. Mike Tomlin named him the starter last week, meaning Fields would be his primary backup.

But a lingering calf injury flared up this week and limited Wilson in practice on both Thursday and Friday. That gave Fields more reps with the ones, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicated the former Ohio State star could get the nod as a result.

Wilson initially suffered a calf issue in training camp, and that gave Fields some looks with the starters. However, Tomlin announced Wilson would get the first reps at quarterback in the opener – a plan that now appears to be in jeopardy.

“The assumption was that Russell Wilson would just roll through this week being the starter, as he basically has been since Mike Tomlin said in March that hew as in ‘pole position,’ take his starting job and just roll on from there,” Rapoport said Friday night. “Then, Russell Wilson reported calf tightness yesterday and the team pulled all the way back, barely did anything today. Was off to the side when reporters were at practice. Meanwhile, Justin Fields took all of the first team reps. Now, Russell Wilson is officially listed as questionable, but my understanding is the team’s going to put him through a little workout, test him tomorrow morning and see.

“Just reading the tea leaves and taking the stock of the situation – including the fact that Russell Wilson made clear that he wants to be healthy for every game he possibly can this season – it does not make a lot of sense that Russell Wilson will be out there.”