Russell Wilson addresses relationship with Justin Fields: 'I'm learning, and vice versa'

Steelers training camp opened last week in Latrobe, Pa. And new quarterback Russell Wilson barely has registered, as Justin Fields takes the majority of snaps with the first team.

Not much changed Wednesday, as the Steelers went through a walk-through practice. Wilson’s calf still is bothering him. It’s the injury he suffered this time a week ago when Wilson pushed a blocking sled as part of a conditioning exercise.

Wilson says he and Fields are tight. The two exchange texts. The 35-year-old Wilson also views himself as a mentor to 25-year-old Fields.

“Yeah, I think more than anything else, we’ve known each other for some years now, and I’ve always tried to be a mentor in some way to him,” Wilson told reporters. “We’ve always texted, called, whatever it may be in the past, and same thing now. I believe that when you give as much knowledge that I have, or experienced or gone through, it comes back in return for you in the long run.

“We’re a team and we’re always trying to get better together,” said the Steelers quarterback. “Every rep that he’s taking, I’m learning, and vice versa. Every rep that I’m taking, he’s learning. And all the other quarterbacks, as well. Even when we’re not in there, and we’re just processing from the drill work, we’re always talking and communicating.

“So, I think that’s a critical part to being successful as a team.”

Now, when will Wilson return to action in training camp. Although he has 13 years of experience in the NFL, he still needs to learn the offense installed by new OC Arthur Smith. Observers on hand at Saint Vincent’s practice field say Wilson still is limping.

Russell Wilson still doesn’t look like he’s full strength. He hasn’t been sprinting during warmups each day. pic.twitter.com/LI8CNw5glN

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 31, 2024

Tomlin said sidelining Wilson is a precautionary move

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has said that he’s sidelining Wilson as a precaution. The coach said it was basically a move “to keep a minor thing from becoming major.” Likewise, Wilson said the calf strain wasn’t too serious and that if it was game week, he’d be on the field.

However, we know calf strains can be tricky to heal. Joe Burrow strained his half early in Bengals training camp last summer. He returned to the lineup for the season opener. Then he aggravated the injury against the Ravens in week two.

Steelers sign receiver after Roman Wilson injury

Meanwhile, in other Steelers training camp news, Pittsburgh announced the team signed receiver Tarik Black. He’s been in the NFL since 2021. Black has spent time on the practice squads of the Colts, Jets and Ravens. Black played football at Michigan before transferring to Texas for his final season. In three seasons in the league, he’s played in one game and caught one pass.

The Steelers need depth at receiver, at least on an expanded training camp roster. Roman Wilson, a third-round draft pick out of Michigan, suffered an ankle injury Tuesday and it’s unclear when he’ll return.

To make room for Black, the Steelers released defensive tackle Jonathan Marshall.