NFL Rumors: Russell Wilson Set to Miss Steelers vs. Falcons; Justin Fields to Start

Russell Wilson's debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers will likely have to wait another week, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

Russini reported Saturday that Wilson is expected to miss Pittsburgh's Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons due to his lingering calf injury. That opens the door for Justin Fields to lead the offense.

After Russini's report, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Wilson, who is listed as questionable, will travel with the team to Atlanta.

Some will argue Wilson's calf trouble merely hastened the inevitable.

Pittsburgh doesn't have much invested in the nine-time Pro Bowler after signing him to a one-year contract at the veteran's minimum. His game has steadily declined for the last few seasons as well and there's little reason to think the trend will cease in 2024.

Fields at least possesses some theoretical upside. The 25-year-old threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions while completing 61.4 percent of his passes with the Chicago Bears in 2023.

There's a reason the Bears hitched their wagons to Caleb Williams this offseason. Fields finished 23rd in QBR last year, per ESPN.com, and has raised enough concerns on the field to question his long-term viability as a starter.

That perception will change if he goes out and puts together a solid campaign with Pittsburgh.

While head coach Mike Tomlin named Wilson the team's starter in August, his calf issues meant the team had to prepare for Fields filling in. That will ease the QB change should it be required.

Russini also noted it's possible Fields "doesn't relinquish the job even after Wilson is deemed healthy enough to return."

The 2021 first-round pick is on track to have his first audition Sunday.