Russell Wilson has missed the Pittsburgh Steelers' first five games while dealing with a calf injury.
Pittsburgh signed Wilson to a one-year deal this offseason with the intention of starting him at quarterback. The nine-time Pro Bowler's injury has opened the door for Justin Fields, who has started all five games thus far and is in line to do so once again this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Fields is completing 67.6% of his passes for 961 yards, five touchdowns and one interceptions on the season.
While he won't be starting, there's a chance Wilson will be healthy enough to serve as Fields' backup this week.
At his Tuesday press conference, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed some encouraging news. Wilson is set to practice fully tomorrow when the team begins game week preparation for Las Vegas.
"We're in a little bit different place as I stand here today with Russ," Tomlin said, via Pro Football Talk. "Tomorrow will be the first Wednesday that he'll be a scheduled full participant, we'll see where that leads us. First, we'll see if he's, obviously, able to pull it off and get through the session. And if he does, what is the quality of that work look like? The ability to protect himself, etc. -- some of the conversations that we've been having, but having more in a hypothetical way.
"He's at the point of health now where we can work on a Wednesday without restrictions. And so, we'll do so."
Tomlin said Wilson will get practice reps with the second unit and the "door is ajar" for him to be the team's QB2 on Sunday. Kyle Allen has backed up Fields through the first five weeks.
After starting 3-0, Pittsburgh has lost two games in a row. As Wilson continues to heal and work in practice, he'll likely move closer to becoming the team's starting quarterback.
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