PITTSBURGH — Russell Wilson is again to working towards at full velocity. When the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback will get again to really taking part in is one other matter.
And the eventual reply may need little to do along with his well being.
Whereas Wilson burdened Thursday the calf damage that’s sidelined him for the opening month of the season is bettering, he stopped in need of saying he could be obtainable because the backup to Justin Fields on Sunday night time when the Steelers (3-1) host the Dallas Cowboys (2-2).
“We’re listening to the medical doctors, listening to educate and simply attempting to be sure that they’re good and I’m good,” Wilson mentioned.
The 35-year-old initially harm the calf when coaching camp started in late July. He tweaked it on Sept. 5 and the Steelers have been cautious about bringing him alongside slowly. He spent a number of weeks as a restricted participant in apply. On Thursday, the nine-time Professional Bowler went stay throughout 11-on-11 drills for the primary time in a month.
“I really feel robust, , I really feel assured,” Wilson mentioned. “I really like the method that we’ve (had) in simply when it comes to simply ensuring that I’m actually able to go. And, , I really feel like I’m proper there.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin mentioned earlier this week the workforce will consider Wilson’s “skill to maneuver and performance and defend himself” earlier than determining when he could be able to go.
The extra looming query for Tomlin — one he has declined to reply in any element — is what’s going to occur every time Wilson is given the OK to play. Fields has carried out effectively in Wilson’s absence, main Pittsburgh to its finest begin since 2020, drawing reward from each Tomlin and first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Fields’ finest sport of the season — statistically anyway — was final Sunday’s loss to Indianapolis, wherein he led three second-half landing drives that almost rallied the Steelers from a 17-deficit.
“I assumed in that second half what was cool to observe as a coach and a play-caller when any individual will get in that form of movement, he rattling close to took the sport over,” Smith mentioned. “When that occurs and you’re feeling it with a participant, it doesn’t matter what I known as. You felt him rolling.”
Fields completed with 367 complete yards (312 passing and 55 dashing) and three touchdowns (two dashing, one passing), the very best complete yardage output by a Steelers quarterback in almost six years.
Nonetheless, Tomlin has largely dismissed questions on who will likely be atop the depth chart when Wilson is at full energy. Whereas Tomlin acknowledged Fields might probably be named the full-time starter — a place Wilson has held since he signed with the Steelers in mid-March — he has burdened repeatedly there’s no want to decide on as a result of Wilson stays unavailable.
The time when Wilson will likely be obtainable appears to be quick approaching, although Fields — whose 98.0 QB ranking is effectively above his profession common of 82.3 — insists he doesn’t really feel like there’s nonetheless extra to show to Tomlin. The best way Fields seems to be at it, he has no actual energy within the scenario, so there’s no have to get labored up over it.
“I’m simply going to maintain doing what I’ve been doing and no matter choice (Tomlin) makes, he makes,” Fields mentioned. “I can solely management what I do on the sector. Now I’m simply going to go on the market and maintain doing what I’m doing.”
NOTES: RBs Jaylen Warren (knee) and Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) didn’t apply once more on Thursday, which means they seemingly are out in opposition to Dallas. … LB Nick Herbig (ankle) and DT Larry Ogunjobi (groin) had been restricted.