Steelers' Russell Wilson Expected to Be Active QB2 vs. Raiders Behind Justin Fields

Russell Wilson will likely be active for the first time as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Friday that the Steelers quarterback is in line to be active on Sunday but will serve as the backup behind Justin Fields.

Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in the offseason and was expected to be the team's starter. However, he has been out with a calf injury and Fields has served as the team's starter, guiding it to a 3-2 start.

Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler who was brought in to stabilize the Steelers' quarterback room and possibly aid in the development of Fields. The 35-year-old has compiled a 115-72-1 overall record and has thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns.

He threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Denver Broncos in 2023 and was released following the season. Fields has been solid in Wilson's absence, throwing for 961 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in five games.

However, he was held to just 131 passing yards in a 20-17 Week 5 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and the Steelers have lost two straight games since starting 3-0. He will get the nod for Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders but another lackluster performance could set Wilson up to reclaim the starting role.