Steelers QB Russell Wilson hoping to play vs. Falcons in Week 1

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to take on the Atlanta Falcons this weekend at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, there’s some uncertainty over who their starting quarterback will be.

Russell Wilson was named the Week 1 starter during the preseason but was limited at Thursday’s practice after aggravating a prior calf injury. Wilson was listed as questionable on Pittsburgh’s final injury report but said he hopes to be out there on Sunday.

“Just felt a little tight and just wanted to be smart about it,” Wilson told reporters on Friday. “We play the game on Sunday. I’m hoping I get to be in it, obviously, but just trying to get ready to go.”

Reporters then asked Wilson if he expected to play in Week 1. “I’m trying to get my body ready to go and rock and roll, so we’re doing everything we can,” responded the veteran QB.

If Wilson can’t play, it will be fourth-year QB Justin Fields getting the start for the Steelers. Pittsburgh added both Fields and Wilson over the 2024 NFL offseason. Wilson signed as a free agent after being released by the Denver Broncos. Fields was acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick.

Wilson, 35, has passed for 43,653 yards, 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions since entering the league as a third-round pick in 2012. Fields was selected by the Bears in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Ohio State.

The 25-year-old racked up 6,674 career passing yards, 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions, with another 2,220 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground over his three seasons in Chicago.