Wisconsin legend to take first-team reps for Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of Week 7

Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson will take first-team reps in practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, per the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

After six weeks of Justin Fields under center, it appears as if head coach Mike Tomlin is directing the team’s quarterback focus to NFL veteran Russell Wilson for Week 7 against the New York Jets.

Wilson, who dealt with a nagging calf injury dating back to the beginning of Pittsburgh’s training camp window, is now in consideration to start for the first time as a Steeler.

Fields, meanwhile, has proven to be a respectable replacement under the gun to start the 2024 campaign. Through six appearances, the former Chicago Bear has completed 66.3% of his throws for over 1,100 passing yards and five passing touchdowns. The dynamic playmaker has also rushed 55 times for 231 yards and five touchdowns.

While the Steelers do boast four wins on the season, the offense has yet to look explosive. Aside from last week’s 32-13 thumping against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh has amassed 20 points or fewer in four games. Fields, who can certainly run, has essentially operated as a game manager.

Still, Wilson is nowhere near the type of player he was when leading the Seattle Seahawks to deep playoff runs nearly a decade ago. In two seasons with the Denver Broncos, Wilson went 11-19 as a starter and missed the playoffs both seasons.

Wilson’s status as Pittsburgh’s starter will certainly stay in the headlines for the entire week. The Steelers take the field next on Sunday, Oct. 20 against the New York Jets.