Broncos coaches and players brace for Russell Wilson's return

If he’s cleared to play, Russell Wilson will have an opportunity to prove a point in a revenge game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

Wilson was cut by Broncos coach Sean Payton this spring in a move that created the largest dead money salary cap hit in NFL history. Payton so desperately wanted a different quarterback that he was willing to take on a huge cap challenge to make it happen. Wilson will obviously want to prove that the coach made a mistake — if he’s healthy enough to play in Week 2.

But what about back in Denver, have the Broncos talked about facing Wilson this week?

“No,” Payton said Wednesday. “We’re not playing tennis or golf. We’re playing a team game, and we’re focused on the Steelers. They’re a good football team.”

Right, you can’t expect anything other than coach speak from Payton during a game week.

How about wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who has no reason to have beef with Wilson after catching 10 touchdown passes from the QB last fall?

“Russ and I have a very good relationship,” Sutton said Wednesday. “Like I said before, I’m excited for him and what he has going on in his next part of his journey. [I’m] wishing him well, and success and health. Each week besides this one.

“It’s one of those weeks that he knows what the situation is because he’s very similar to myself. He’s a competitor. He wants to go out there and be successful, and we want to go out there and be successful. We’re going to go out there and compete and tally it up at the end.”

Wilson (calf) was limited at Wednesday’s practice and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday the team was preparing as if Justin Fields will start this week. Injury statuses can change quickly, though, and if he’s healthy, there’s no doubt Wilson will want to play against his former team in Week 2. Pittbsburgh’s final injury report with game statuses will be released on Friday.