Tomlin: Russell Wilson Analysis an 'Incomplete Study' After Steelers Preseason Debut

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says Saturday's preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills offered an "incomplete study" of quarterback Russell Wilson.

"It's somewhat of an incomplete study because you just don't get a chance to see them operate or us operate or us establish rhythm and personality when you're not winning possession downs," Tomlin said, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

Wilson made his Steelers preseason debut on Saturday after missing the beginning of training camp with a calf injury, and at times looked rusty during the Steelers' 9-3 loss.

The veteran quarterback connected on 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards over five drives. The Steelers' offense recorded one first down and no scores, while allowing three sacks for 21 yards in total loss, over that span.

Those sacks are especially concerning for the Steelers given that Wilson was sacked a total of 100 times during his previous two seasons with the Denver Broncos, the most in the NFL in that span. Head coach Sean Payton said earlier this week that the yard losses were "a big issue" for the Broncos during Wilson's tenure in Denver.

Wilson has been listed as the Steelers' QB1 heading into the preseason, but Tomlin said while preparing for the contest against the Bills that the quarterback battle was "going to heat up in the coming weeks."

Wilson's ability to bounce back and avoid sacks against the Detroit Lions in next Saturday's preseason finale could influence whether Tomlin turns to him or Fields on Sept. 8 for the Steelers' Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons.