After the preseason Week 1 game against the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin indicated there was a chance Russell Wilson would play in preseason Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills.
But as of Monday, the Steelers remain undecided on the situation. Tomlin told reporters that he isn't sure if Wilson will start on Saturday against the Bills, according to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Of course, we're assuming that if Wilson plays, he'll start. After all, the last thing Tomlin would want to do is create a huge controversy by starting Fields over Wilson, who has long been considered the team's QB1.
Wilson didn't play in the preseason opener, which led to Fields starting. He was on the field for three scoreless drives and completed 5-of-6 passes for 67 yards in his Steelers debut.
Wilson has been a full participant in practice lately after working his way back from a calf injury suffered on the day players reported to training camp. Wilson made it clear he wanted to play in the exhibition opener.
“I always want to play,” Wilson said last week. “Anytime you get the strap on the pads, it’s a blessing. Whether it’s preseason or if it’s regular season, obviously which matters a lot more, or in the postseason, which is even more important, just be out there with your teammates and everything else."
“I’m prepared to play. It’s whatever coach [Mike Tomlin] decides,” Wilson added. “He’s the boss man. He gets to make the decisions on that, but I’ll be ready to go.”
Even with all of Wilson's experience, one would assume the Steelers would like to get him at least some game reps before Week 1. It remains to be seen if that will happen, though.