Broncos fans eager to welcome Russell Wilson back to Denver may be in for a disappointment. Justin Fields appears to be the starter for Sunday’s Steelers-Broncos game.
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that the Steelers are preparing as if Fields is going to start Sunday.
“As I sit here today, we are preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback,” Tomlin told reporters“I think it’s the right way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time. Russell is hurt.”
Wilson joined the Steelers via an offseason trade after two disappointing seasons with the Broncos. The Steelers also acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears, and Wilson was named the team’s starter at the conclusion of training camp after a competition.
But Wilson suffered calf tightness last Thursday, before Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. The tightness occurred in the same calf that Wilson suffered earlier in training camp. As a result, Fields started Sunday and the Steelers beat the Falcons despite failing to score a touchdown.
The Steelers kicked six field goals in an 18-10 victory. Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards with no touchdowns and no turnovers. He added 57 rushing yards on 14 carries. He is now eligible to make his second start against the Broncos.
Tomlin did not rule Wilson out of Sunday’s game. He said Tuesday that Wilson was feeling better than he did over the weekend. Still, the coach did not expect Wilson to participate fully in Wednesday’s practice.
“We’ll be looking at him throughout the week to see if he can protect himself, be productive,” Tomlin said. “When we get to those points, that’s when we’ll consider whether or not he’s in.”
The Steelers will look to improve to 2-0 after last week’s win over the Falcons. The Broncos are looking for their first win after Wilson’s rookie replacement, Bo Nix, struggled in his NFL debut in a loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
If the Steelers win a second straight game with Fields at quarterback, they could find themselves with a decision on their hands.