NFL
Will Russell Wilson play for the Steelers against the Broncos? NFL injury status
With Wilson absent, Justin Fields was starting quarterback as the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Atlanta Falcons 18-10 in Week 1 of the NFL.
Russell Wilson was named as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback ahead of the beginning of the NFL season by head coach Mike Tomlin, but was forced to sit out the Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a calf injury.
The Steelers, however, brushed off the 35-year-old’s absence by opening with an 18-10 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Justin Fields taking Wilson’s place and Chris Boswell kicking six field goals.
Mike Tomlin gives Russell Wilson fitness update
With the Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday (September 15, kickoff at 4:25pm ET) now on the horizon, Wilson’s availability remains up in the air. The quarterback’s fitness being evaluated on a day-to-day basis, although the most likely scenario is that Fields keeps his place in the team.
Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Tomlin said: “Regarding Russell’s availability, I’m going to list him as questionable. Obviously, if his availability is questionable, then him starting is less so. But we’ve been in that mindset all week. Like I’ve said, we’ve been focused on getting Justin ready to play and we’ll continue in that mindset as we push forward toward game time.”
Fields’ positive start with Steelers after tough Bears spell
If Fields does start and contributes to another victory, he could again be a starter in the Week 3 home game against the Los Angeles Chargers, which would give the Steelers extra time to ensure Wilson has fully recovered.
In last Sunday’s triumph over the Falcons, Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards, didn’t record any touchdowns or interceptions, ran for 57 yards and fumbled one ball.
In his three years with the Chicago Bears from 2021 to 2023, the 25-year-old started 38 of the 40 games he appeared in, and had an 11-28 record as starting quarterback.