Steelers' Russell Wilson Day-to-Day with Calf Injury; Justin Fields Taking QB1 Reps

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Thursday that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is dealing with a calf issue and is considered day-to-day, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

As a result, quarterback Justin Fields took first-team reps during Pittsburgh's practice during training camp on Thursday.

The veteran missed two games in 2022—one with a hamstring injury and one with a concussion—a significant change after missing just three games over his 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks.

His first year with the Denver Broncos was a disappointment regardless of injury status. The nine-time Pro Bowler was traded to Denver before signing a five-year, $245 million contract.

It led to high expectations, but Wilson set career lows with just 16 passing touchdowns and a 84.4 quarterback rating. The Broncos finished 5-12 after being picked by many to make a deep postseason run.

Things didn't go much better in 2023, leading to his benching late in the season and his eventual release. The Broncos are still on the hook for his $39 million salary for the 2024 season.

Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers for the veteran's minimum. Tomlin said in March that he was in the "pole position" for the starting job ahead of Fields, so this injury puts a slight dent in their quarterback competition.