Russell Wilson has four-word verdict as wait for Pittsburgh Steelers chance drags on

Despite not featuring for the Pittsburgh Steelers yet, Russell Wilson sent a four-word message to one of the team’s stars .

The Steelers continued their impressive early season form with a statement 32-13 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Trailing 7-3 at the end of the first quarter, Pittsburgh turned the game to lead 12-7 at half-time and extended their advantage in the third quarter before rounding the game off in the fourth.

However, Wilson was forced to watch from the sidelines again as Justin Fields took the starting quarterback role despite head coach Mike Tomlin hinting that he could swap his two signal callers . But the veteran seemingly didn’t hold a grudge over his omission as he lauded T.J. Watt ’s performance on social media.

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Wilson took to X where he reshared a video uploaded by the NFL of the linebacker making a punch out during the game. As Ameer Abdullah attempted to drive his way into the end zone, Watt punched the ball out from under the Raiders running back’s arm to regain possession for the visitors a yard in front of the end zone. The 35-year-old added the caption: “BEST in the WORLD. @_TJWatt @steelers”.

The four-time first-team All-Pro didn’t register any sacks during the week six clash against the Raiders, but his two forced fumbles, including the punch out in the shadow of the end zone, was a career-high. Watt’s performance was also lauded by Tomlin, who told reporters after the game that he’s running out of superlatives to describe the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

“Can’t say enough about T.J. [Watt] that hasn’t already been said in terms of his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways,” Tomlin said “It is special. We’re not surprised by it. But it’s still special.”

Reacting to the second fumble of the game, Tomlin continued: “I don’t know what other way to state it other than I’m not surprised by it, but it doesn’t make it any less amazing. If you’ve been around him during the course of his career here, you just know that he’s going to seize those moments.

“He’s going to rise up and be what we need him to be in some form or fashion. I just think today was a reflection of it. It’s just another chapter in his awesome story that is his career.”

Meanwhile, for Wilson, the former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl-winning quarterback learned that he would have to remain patient before making his Steelers bow after being released by the Denver Broncos. Wilson was originally named as the starting quarterback ahead of Fields, but missed the week one game at the Atlanta Falcons.

Asked ahead of the Raiders game if he'd start, Wilson revealed he’s ready to step into the team when called upon. "That's a good question. I think for me I’m preparing in my mind to be ready to go. That’s kind of my mentality, to help us win, whatever that is,” Wilson said.

"We all want to play. We all want to be out there. I’ve never been in this place that I’m in, and it’s tough. But at the same time, you know there are better days ahead. There are challenges along the way."