Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson will be a full participant in practice on Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin announced.
Wilson has been inactive for the Steelers’ first five games of the season as he works his way back from a strained calf that he sustained in training camp.
“We’re in a little bit different place as I stand here today with Russ,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “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 (does) 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 noted that quarterback Justin Fields will continue to take first-team practice snaps, however.
“(Wilson will) get reps with the second unit as to not disrupt Justin’s preparation,” Tomlin said. “And then we’ll see where all of that leads us as we push through the week.”
Wilson, 35, was named the starter following the final preseason game in August but was limited in practice before the Week 1 opener at Atlanta. His status did not change from there, with Fields leading the Steelers to three wins to open the season before the team dropped its last two games.
Pittsburgh (3-2) visits the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3) on Sunday.
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Wilson last started a game on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos benched him for the final two 2023 regular-season games in a contract dispute that led to the former Super Bowl winner being released. He signed with the Steelers in March after also visiting the New York Giants.
Fields, 25, has completed a career-high 67.6 percent of his passes for 961 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in five starts. He has rushed for 172 yards and three scores.
Tomlin also said on Tuesday that running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) and linebackers Nick Herbig (hamstring), DeMarvin Leal (neck) and Alex Highsmith (groin) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game.
Highsmith was sidelined for the home game Sunday night against Dallas Cowboys, with Herbig starting in his place. Both Herbig and Leal were injured during the loss to the Cowboys.
Running back Jaylen Warren (knee), safety Damontae Kazee (ankle) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) are doubtful to play.
–Field Level Media
