Falcons News: Steelers name Russell Wilson starting QB for Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons will see former head coach Arthur Smith in their 2024 season opener when the Pittsburgh Steelers come to town on September 8. After holding an open quarterback competition through training camp, the Steelers officially named Russell Wilson their starter for Week 1 on Wednesday afternoon.

Pittsburgh also traded for Justin Fields over the offseason, but Wilson beat him out to be Smith’s starting QB against Atlanta. Wilson, 35, ranked among the NFL’s elite passers for the first 10 years of his career before being traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022.

Despite a rocky two-year stretch in Denver, the former third-round pick’s body of work remains impressive. Since entering the league in 2012, Wilson has passed for 43,653 yards, 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions for a passer rating of 100.0.

Smith, now the offensive coordinator for the Steelers, won’t be the only familiar face returning to Atlanta. Running back Cordarrelle Patterson signed with Pittsburgh over the offseason after spending three seasons (2021-2023) with the Falcons. Patterson rushed for a 31-yard touchdown in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale.

The Falcons released their first 53-man roster for the 2024 season on Tuesday with a few minor surprises. Wide receiver Chris Blair was released while quarterback Taylor Heinicke made the team. Check out the team’s full 53-man roster and our practice squad tracker.