Steelers HC Mike Tomlin changing tune on Russell Wilson playing vs. Bills

It came as a surprise when Mike Tomlin said without hesitation that Russell Wilson would play versus the Buffalo Bills this weekend. He’s typically not that forthcoming eight days before a matchup. After Pittsburgh’s lopsided loss to the Houston Texans on Friday night, Tomlin said Wilson would play in the preseason’s second game.

Tomlin is now walking back a statement that once seemed definitive.

“We haven’t determined that yet,” Tomlin said on Monday when asked who will start this weekend. “We’re Steelers versus Steelers right now. We’ll get to some of that stuff later in the week.”

Should Wilson get a helmet Saturday, it could be his only opportunity to show what he can do with the Steelers’ new offense before the regular season kickoff should Tomlin choose to sit starters in the final preseason game versus the Lions on Aug. 24.

Tomlin will have his weekly opponent preview press conference on Tuesday and could disclose whether Wilson will start this weekend.