Steelers QB Russell Wilson Makes Preseason Debut, Justin Fields Brings Excitement in Loss to Bills

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson finally made his long-anticipated preseason start on Saturday after missing Game 1 and most of training camp with a calf injury.

And it appeared there was some rust.

Wilson split time with Justin Fields, who was measurably better and added an element of excitement to the offense that has been missing for more than a season.

Wilson played four series for the Steelers and completed 8-of-10 passes for 47 yards. He was also sacked three times.

Fields also played four series but looked better than Wilson and led Pittsburgh on its only scoring drive. Both quarterbacks were the victim of poor pass blocking up front, and coach Mike Tomlin knows that affected both signal callers.

“We’ve got to do a better job in pass protection than we did, not only in possession downs but just in general,” Tomlin said. “And I was really upfront with the group about it in that regard. That can’t be a problem for us. We’ve got to be better than we were tonight in that area.”

While Tomlin didn't comment on the performance of Wilson specifically, he was quick to praise Fields.

“I thought he got better in some areas. I thought he did a nice job utilizing his legs, whether it was impromptu or otherwise to keep some situations alive," Tomlin continued. "But again, you know, I just thought performance was stymied by a lack of protection and a lack of execution on possession down play.”

Fields finished the game 11-of-17 for 92 yards, and at times sparked an otherwise unspectacular offensive performance with his legs. The former Ohio State Buckeye carried the ball eight times for 42 yards.

Related: Steelers Rookie Exits Preseason Game with Injury vs. Bills

Wilson is already at a disadvantage this offseason with the calf injury, and it looks like that could affect his ability to beat out Fields for the starting role under center in Week 1 of the regular season.

Pittsburgh finishes the preseason against Detroit on Saturday, and Wilson might need a strong showing to get the start against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8.