Steelers QB Russell Wilson OUT Friday vs. Texans

The Pittsburgh Steelers get their first preseason test of the 2024 season at home on Friday against the Houston Texans.

One of the biggest storylines this offseason has been the complete turnover of the quarterback room in Pittsburgh , as last year's incumbents Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph are both gone, replaced by Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury suffered early this offseason and will not play on Friday.

The former Bronco and Seahawk has been given the "pole position" in the race for the starting job per coach Mike Tomlin, but Fields has been vocal this season about wanting the starting job under center.

While Fields will get the nod on Friday at Acrisure Stadium, it's Wilson who is still in the lead for the starting job per Tomlin.

“You guys saw the depth chart that I released yesterday — that is real,” Tomlin said . “What happens in-stadium is weighted heavier than a practice setting because it’s more game-like.”

Fields has improved dramatically since arriving in Pittsburgh via trade from Chicago, per Tomlin.

Related: Wilson vs. Fields: Who Tops Steelers' First Depth Chart?

“I think he just comes to compete every day,” Tomlin continued. “He’s got an awesome competitive spirit. We’ve got a competitive environment and it seems like he’s enjoying it. He’s doing a really good job of acclimating himself to it and his teammates and letting his talents show.

“I think everything is an audition,” Tomlin said. “Everything that we do is an audition, not only for him but for others.”

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