Russell Wilson could be active for the first time as a Pittsburgh Steeler in Week 6.
Coach Mike Tomlin said Friday that he anticipates Wilson being active and serving as the backup to Justin Fields on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Yeah, he’s probably gonna be active as the No. 2 quarterback,” Tomlin said. “I like what I’ve seen out there, but again, health and rust are two different things. I thought he had a good week displaying his health, his ability to protect himself. Now it’s just a process of getting reacclimated.”
Wilson has been inactive the past five weeks while dealing with a calf injury that he aggravated ahead of Week 1. The calf issue first popped up early in training camp.
“I thought he had a good week,” Tomlin said. “He’s proven his health. Now it’s just a matter of knocking the rust off.”
Generally speaking, knocking the rust off would require actual game action. Wilson being active gives Tomlin the option to play the veteran if Fields struggles or gets injured Sunday in Vegas.
Fields has started the first five games for the Steelers, generating a 90-plus passer rating in each contest, but the offense has struggled to move the ball consistently for stretches. In Sunday night’s loss to Dallas, he had just 131 passing yards with two touchdowns. The QB has thrown one interception to five TDs in five starts.
Wilson entered training camp as the favorite to win the starting gig before the calf injury began to nag the 35-year-old. After a 3-0 start, Fields began to impress. However, after the offense hit a rut, the door could re-open for Wilson to enter. We’ll see if that chance comes in Week 6.
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