Pittsburgh is pausing the start of the Russell Wilson era.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Steelers will start with backup quarterback Justin Fields in Sunday's season opener against the Falcons with Wilson out with a calf injury. Reported.
Fields, 25, was spotted warming up on the field before kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Wilson, who was named the Steelers' starting quarterback a few weeks ago, was listed as “questionable” with a calf issue that “emerged” before the first training camp practice. According to NFL.com:.
“When I'm ready to go, I'll go,” the Super Bowl-winning quarterback, who spent the past two seasons with the Broncos, told reporters Friday.
With the 35-year-old Wilson officially out for Week 1, Fields will be the starting guard for his first game in a Steelers uniform on Sunday.
The former first-round draft pick spent the past three seasons with Chicago before being traded to Pittsburgh in March.
Going into Week 1, head coach Mike Tomlin gave Fields a vote of confidence while discussing his possible availability.
“If that is indeed the case, I am extremely relieved.” Tomlin saidhad previously hinted at a game-day “package” involving Fields.
Fields appeared in 13 games last season and threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
The Steelers revamped their quarterback position this offseason with the additions of Fields and Wilson, who agreed to one-year contracts in March.
Pittsburgh traded 2022 first-round draft pick Kenny Pickett to the Eagles earlier this year, and veteran backup Mason Rudolph signed with the Titans in free agency.
The Steelers will face the Falcons at 1 p.m.
