Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is expected to take first-team reps in practice this week and is on track to start Sunday night’s game against the New York Jets, according to a report from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Wilson has been sidelined for the entire season due to a calf strain but is now nearing full health and poised to return to the field.
While Pelissero’s report suggests that Wilson is likely to start, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was cautious about making any official announcements during his Tuesday press conference.
“Over the course of the week, I got comfortable with his ability to display his health. He’s in consideration this week. We’ll see where that leads,” Tomlin said, leaving some uncertainty around the decision but signaling confidence in Wilson’s recovery.
Wilson, now 35, has been absent from the Steelers’ lineup this season, allowing backup quarterback Justin Fields to take over and guide the team to a 4-2 start. Fields has performed admirably in Wilson’s absence, completing 66.3% of his passes for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and just one interception.
He’s also been a significant threat on the ground, racking up 231 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Fields’ dual-threat abilities have been a key factor in the Steelers’ early success.
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Despite the strong performances from Fields, the Steelers’ passing game has yet to hit its full stride. The coaching staff is hopeful that Wilson’s return will unlock more of the offense’s potential, especially in the passing game. Known for his accuracy and deep-ball proficiency, Wilson could provide the boost the Steelers need to become a more balanced and dangerous team offensively.
“Fields has done a great job, but we’re looking for Russell to add a little more through the air,” a team source said. “We believe his experience and skill set can bring another dimension to the offense.”
If Wilson isn’t fully ready or struggles to regain his form, the Steelers have the luxury of turning back to Fields, who has proven himself capable of leading the team during Wilson’s recovery. Fields has embraced his role and kept the Steelers competitive, making him a reliable option should Wilson need more time to adjust.
Wilson’s last season with the Denver Broncos before joining the Steelers saw him complete 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 15 games. Now, the Steelers are banking on him bringing that level of performance as they look to build on their solid start to the season.
As the Steelers prepare for their Sunday night showdown with the Jets, all eyes will be on Wilson’s status and his ability to seamlessly transition back into the starting lineup.
The team hopes his return will solidify their position as playoff contenders while giving their offense the spark it has been searching for.
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