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Steelers might have quarterback uncertainty for Week 1
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers might have quarterback uncertainty for Week 1

Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers have made it abundantly clear Russell Wilson is their starting quarterback, there remain some questions as to how quickly they would turn to backup Justin Fields should Wilson struggle.

They might have to soon turn to Fields for a different reason — injury.

The Steelers listed Wilson as a limited participant in practice on Thursday with calf tightness. While the team offered no immediate update on what that means for his availability for Sunday's Week 1 opener against the Atlanta Falcons, his injury puts it up in the air as to whether or not he can go.

Wilson missed the early part of training camp and the first preseason game due to a calf injury that he suffered in an early camp workout. 

Whether or not Wilson is actually available for Sunday's game, the health of their veteran quarterback has to be something that is at least somewhat concerning for the Steelers. Calf injuries can linger and significantly limit a quarterback's ability to plant, throw and scramble. All things that are necessary — especially for a mobile quarterback like Wilson. It also seems pretty apparent that this is an issue that isn't just going to go away. 

Fields does give the Steelers a viable starting option in the event Wilson can not go and it is still a better quarterback situation than the one the team has had in recent years. But the fact Wilson was the first player brought in this offseason and has been the starter from pretty much the very beginning is a strong sign that the team views him as the better player that gives them the best chance to win. 

His availability for Friday's practice could go a long way toward determining if he is in the starting lineup on Sunday. 

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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