PATROBE, PA — As he continues to heal from a calf injury, Russell Wilson, the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, put in a notably higher workout on Tuesday.
In training camp, Wilson took part in the pre-practice walk-through for the first time. When he ran for the first time during warm-ups, that set the tone. Then, Wilson completed four of the seven full-contact snaps (apart from the quarterback) from the 2-yard line during the Steelers’ Seven Shots period, which began practice. It represented the first time he has participated in this period, a significant stride toward a full return.
In this portion of practice, Wilson gave the ball off on three of his four snaps. A staff member of the Steelers exclaimed, “Your first touchdown as a Steeler!” when the quarterback found receiver George Pickens with a pass.
During 11-on-11 periods, Wilson showed further indications of growth, taking seven total reps. Out of the 11 overall snaps (seven in 11-on-11 and four in Seven Shots), Wilson had 11 total team reps. Six times did he pass the ball, making four of his five passes complete.
Russell Wilson jogging during warmups earlier today pic.twitter.com/69YA5Siadw
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 6, 2024
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields throwing routes on air earlier today pic.twitter.com/FbuE16m873
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 6, 2024
“It was about not taking steps backwards as we move forward,” Tomlin said when asked about Wilson’s increased workload.Wilson was signed by the Steelers in the offseason to a low-risk, low-cost contract. While Tomlin had at the time promised a quarterback duel, Wilson was given the advantage when he claimed to be in “pole position.” But an injury has complicated the so-called battle.
Wilson said that he injured his calf last week while pushing a sled for the team’s conditioning test. When the Steelers donned pads for the first time last week, Wilson participated in every individual drill as well as seven-on-seven sessions. He did, however, play very little during team times, nearly only passing the ball off during a few plays. He had only thrown the ball once in those scenarios prior to Tuesday, most likely to avoid having to dodge a live rush or worry about linemen dropping at his feet.
“Russ has been great,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “Obviously, (we’re working) just to get on the same page as him, just watching extra film with him, getting reps after practice and before practice. Just those little things like that until he gets fully back and we get (more of) those 11-on-11 looks.”
The Steelers will train on Wednesday and Thursday before playing the Houston Texans in their opening preseason game on Friday. How much, if at all, Wilson plays is still up in the air.
In Wilson’s absence, Justin Fields has been taking the majority of the first-team reps. When asked Tuesday how Fields has taken advantage of the opportunity, Tomlin said, “I think we’re still writing that story.”
“I like the attention that he brings to the things we’re trying to get done,” Tomlin said. “He’s really been focused on his lower body in the pocket, for example. He’s doing a nice job of that. But, we’ve got a lot of ongoing projects and things that we’re focused on in terms of getting better. He’s doing a nice job of it.”
(Photo: Joe Sargent / Getty Images)
