As the countdown to his first start as a Steeler dwindles to just three days, Russell Wilson’s preparations hit a snag this week. The star quarterback encountered some calf tightness during Thursday’s practice, according to coach Mike Tomlin.
“Russell self reported the issue, and we will have him further examined,” Tomlin informed reporters. This development comes as Wilson faced stiff competition from backup Justin Fields during training camp. Despite some struggles in preseason games, Wilson ultimately earned the starting job, but not without some concerns about his calf.
While Wilson’s limited practice on Thursday does not rule him out for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons, it does raise eyebrows about his fitness. This isn’t the first time Wilson has dealt with calf problems, as he experienced similar issues at the beginning of camp. This situation could open the door for Fields to challenge for the starting spot if Wilson’s health becomes a recurring problem.
After a turbulent exit from Denver, Wilson found a new home in Pittsburgh through free agency. This season could be pivotal for the future of his NFL career, and getting back to full health in the next three days will be crucial for his performance in the season opener against the Falcons. Wilson must navigate this speed bump and prove himself on the field to silence any doubts about his abilities.
