Just days before the season opener, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was bothered by a calf strain and missed practice on Thursday.
The issue is something Wilson has been dealing with during training camp, and the Steelers said they “wanted to take precautions.” ESPN reported.
Mike Tomlin told reporters Thursday that Wilson would undergo further evaluation.
“We'll see what tomorrow holds and go from there,” Tomlin said.
Health questions could keep Justin Fields out of the team's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday afternoon.
The Bears' 2021 first-round draft pick was acquired by the Steelers in a trade in March after struggling to live up to expectations in the Windy City during three tumultuous seasons in Chicago.
Despite remaining doubts, Tomlin expressed confidence in Fields.
When asked about the possibility of Fields starting, Tomlin said, “Certainly, I'd be very relieved if that happened.”
Fields also has the trust of Pittsburgh's receivers.
“I don't know the details or what's going on, but obviously Russell's a great competitor,” Van Jefferson told reporters. “He wants to play. If Justin has to play, he's more than ready for it.”
“But at the end of the day, we just go out there and play. Whoever goes out there has to get the job done. So, both quarterbacks are capable of doing it on Sunday and we're going to play with the guys that are out there.”
The Steelers are coming off a season in which they reached the postseason but lost to the Bills in the wild card round.
Wilson was named the Steelers' starter in August before the regular season began.
