Wilson to Start Preseason Game Against Bills
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed that Russell Wilson will make his much-anticipated debut for the team in this Saturday's preseason matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Having worked his way back from a calf injury suffered at the onset of training camp, Wilson is set to start ahead of Justin Fields.
Wilson's rehabilitation has shown significant improvement over the past few weeks, and his participation in practice has gradually increased, leading to this opportunity. During training camp, Fields had predominantly taken the first-team reps while Wilson was sidelined due to the injury.
The game against the Bills will not only mark Wilson’s debut but will also serve as a critical moment for both first-team units, which are expected to get roughly four series of work. This allocation of game time will provide the coaching staff a valuable look at how well Wilson integrates with the starting lineup, especially given the ongoing competitions within the team.
In their preseason opener, the Steelers faced a disappointing loss to the Houston Texans. Fields, who got the starting nod in that game, completed 5 of 6 passes for 67 yards. However, he faced two sacks during his time on the field, reflecting some of the broader struggles the team experienced. The offensive line, in particular, remains an area of concern, with numerous low snaps leading to fumbles and a botched pass to wide receiver Van Jefferson.
The Steelers have been actively shuffling positions on the offensive line throughout the preseason, especially at the center position. Nate Herbig and rookie Zach Frazier are both vying for this critical role, a competition that has intensified in light of the struggles observed in the opener. The team is also managing the absence of Troy Fautanu, who was injured during the game against Houston.
Amid these challenges, rookie guard Mason McCormick is slated to receive more opportunities with the first-team offense. The coaching staff is keen on evaluating all options to solidify the line before the regular season kicks off.
Reflecting on the issues from the preseason opener, Mike Tomlin stated, "I thought he did some nice things. But obviously he was a component of the C-Q exchange, and from my perspective that's dual responsibility on the center and the quarterback. It negated a lot of good things going on in those first couple of drives." Tomlin's remarks underscore the importance of synchronicity between the quarterback and the center, an area that will be under scrutiny in the upcoming game against Buffalo.
The hope is that Wilson’s debut will herald a turnaround for the Steelers, allowing the team to build momentum as they head toward the regular season. His presence on the field is expected to inject the offense with more stability and dynamism, qualities that are essential for overcoming the offensive line's ongoing challenges.
As the Steelers prepare for this crucial test, all eyes will be on Wilson. His ability to steer the offense effectively, coupled with the line’s performance, could very well shape the team’s trajectory for the rest of the preseason and beyond.