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The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to stick with Justin Fields over an injured Russell Wilson as they get ready for a trip to face the Denver Broncos in Week 2.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers (1-0) “are preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback” with Wilson’s status uncertain as he deals with a balky calf that kept him out of a season-opening win in Atlanta last Sunday.
[Related: Sam Darnold’s revival season starts strong, while other QBs struggle to find footing]
Fields was steady if not spectacular against the Falcons, completing 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards and running for 57 more while not turning the ball over as Pittsburgh relied heavily on its defense and kicker Chris Boswell.
Wilson, who tweaked the calf injury last Thursday, was feeling better on Tuesday. Still, Tomlin does not anticipate the nine-time Pro Bowler being able to be a full participant in practice on Wednesday.
Tomlin said Wilson will go through a “battery of movement” on Wednesday and will be evaluated after. While Tomlin didn’t rule out Wilson returning at some point this week, he demurred when asked if Wilson will start if he’s cleared to play.
“That’s a big if, I’m not into the hypotheticals,” Tomlin said. “Right now he’s not healthy, so my time and attention is focused on Justin.”
The 35-year-old Wilson initially strained the calf — he has not disclosed which one — when the Steelers reported to training camp at Saint Vincent College. The injury limited him during most of camp, giving Fields plenty of practice time with the starters.
Still, Tomlin anointed Wilson the starter going into the opener. That all changed when Wilson aggravated the injury on Thursday while doing individual drills.
Tomlin praised Fields’ composure, particularly late.
“I thought he settled in as the game progressed,” Tomlin said. “I thought he had clear eyes in weighty moments.”
Tomlin pointed to a third-and-5 deep in Atlanta territory with just over two minutes to go as proof of that…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/steelers-preparing-to-start-justin-fields-against-the-broncos-while-russell-wilson-deals-with-injury
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Publish date : 2024-09-10 18:07:36
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