Steelers' Russell Wilson to Practice Fully amid Calf Injury; Justin Fields Still QB1

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson will be a full participant in practice Wednesday, adding that Wilson is in a "different spot" than previous weeks in his recovery from a calf injury.

Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Tomlin also said Wilson would practice with the second-team offense "as to not disrupt Justin [Fields'] preparation."

Tomlin noted that Wilson is "at the point of health now that he can work without restriction on Wednesday."

The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year deal in free agency following his release from the Denver Broncos with the clear intention of installing him as the starter.

Wilson was officially named the starter shortly before the start of the regular season, but a calf issue that originated early in training camp flared up, rendering him uncertain for the team's Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The nine-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl champion was ultimately ruled out, allowing Fields to step up and get the start at quarterback.

Fields, who was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was traded to the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick after the Chicago Bears decided to move on and select quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

While Fields was insurance for Wilson and a potential lottery ticket due to his unique blend of mobility and arm strength, he was thrust into action much sooner than expected.

The early returns have been good, as Fields has the Steelers off to a 3-2 start with wins over the Falcons, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

Fields' numbers are also solid, as he is completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 961 yards, five touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for 172 yards and three scores on 44 carries.

However, the Steelers have lost back-to-back games to the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys, and Fields threw for only 131 yards in the Week 5 loss to Dallas.

The Steelers' defense and running game have perhaps been the biggest catalysts behind their 3-2 start, although Fields playing virtually mistake-free football has helped as well.

Wilson has only dressed as the emergency third quarterback this season, but it sounds as though he is in line to be the backup in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders and has a chance to get on the field if Fields struggles.