Russell Wilson to start for Steelers vs Lions

Russell Wilson gets his second-straight preseason start this weekend.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Thursday after the team’s final full practice before the Steelers’ final preseason game. The first question he addressed was the starting quarterback spot and Tomlin made it clear it would be Russell Wilson getting the start for a second-straight game.

Wilson missed the team’s first preseason game with a calf strain and after Justin Fields only played three series, the quarterback position was a wash for a full third of the schedule.

In Week Two, Wilson got the start against the Buffalo Bills and he and Fields essentially split the game. Given Tomlin’s comments about what is still to come look for a repeat of that against the Detroit Lions on Saturday.

Tomlin also noted that nothing has changed in terms of the quarterback race between Wilson and Fields, meaning if the regular season started today, Wilson is the starter despite his struggles.

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Russell Wilson comes to aid of battered Steelers OL Broderick Jones

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson came to the defense of struggling tackle Broderick Jones.

Right up there with the quarterbacks this preseason has been heavy criticism of the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line, directed primarily at tackle Broderick Jones.

Media and fans have rained down on Jones for his performance in the Steelers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills last week.

According to advanced stats from Pro Football Focus, Jones has allowed four quarterback pressures in the form of two sacks and two hits on quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Wilson had this to say about Jones on Wednesday:

Obviously we know how great Broderick Jones is. Everybody’s talking about Broderick… Broderick is a great football player. He’s one of the reasons I came here, because of how talented he is.

Jones has been donning a brace since injuring his right elbow on the first play of the Steelers’ first training camp practice but refused to use it as an excuse for his poor play.

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