The situation surrounding Russell Wilson starting in Week 1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers just got a bit murkier.
Just a few days after being named a team captain and starting quarterback entering the season, Wilson was limited in Thursday’s practice with calf tightness.
NFL Network Ian Rapoport also noted Wilson reported the issue himself. The news is even more notable given Wilson’s recent history with a calf ailment to begin the Steelers’ training camp on July 25.
Obviously, the former Badger cannot directly control how his body reacts to on-field activity. Given the buzz surrounding the team and the position, however, the most recent calf issue can certainly morph into a much larger story than it should be.
The details revolving around the self-report also add some flair to the situation. It appears as if Wilson was not forced off the field during one of Pittsburgh’s final practices ahead of its Week 1 bout vs. Atlanta, suggesting either a bit of caution or trepidation from the veteran.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1831763957029429345
Wilson earned the starting job in late August over former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, a dynamic rushing weapon when performing at full capacity.
While his list of accolades includes a Super Bowl title in 2013 and nine Pro Bowls with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s last two seasons in Denver point towards an overall decline. Wilson led the Broncos to just an 11-19 overall mark from 2022-23.
This story is one to monitor over the coming days. The Steelers are slated to release their final injury report on Friday.