Mike Tomlin announces Russell Wilson as starting QB for Steelers vs. Bills

Russell Wilson will get the starting nod for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Saturday’s preseason game, Mike Tomlin announced. He returned to practice this week after dealing with a calf injury.

Tomlin said the plan will be for the starters to play about four or five series against the Buffalo Bills. Justin Fields took the first snaps last week against the Houston Texans, and it will now be Wilson’s turn to jump under center.

“Russ is scheduled to participate if he has no setbacks,” Tomlin said. “It’s been a good week. He’s been a full participant. He’s had a couple of really good days. With each passing day, it’s less of an issue. So we look forward to him participating in this home venue.”

Tomlin also spoke about the amount of snaps the starters will play in the game, and he said it’s more about getting reps in front of the home crowd. That’s why he hopes the players give it their all and maximize the opportunities.

“We have a really inclusive mentality about participation in this game,” Tomlin said, via Pro Football Talk. “We’re not setting anyone aside to minimize their reps or to look at others. All of those who are healthy will participate in the game. That’s our mentality.

“These in-stadium opportunities are limited and weighted differently. And as we go into our second stadium and our last one here in Pittsburgh, we just think it’s appropriate that we have an all-in type mentality.”

Why Russell Wilson has ‘got to go win the job’

Wilson missed the start of training camp with a calf injury, meaning Fields got reps with the 1s and got the start in last week’s preseason opener. The former Ohio State star appears to be opening some eyes with his new team, as well, and it’s leading to some questions about whether Wilson is still the likely starter.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the competition appears to be more open. Now, Wilson might have to prove he’s worth of the QB1 spot.

“Russell Wilson’s back on the field. … We got that part out of the way,” Garafolo said on The Insiders. “Now, he’s got to go win the job. I’m serious. He’s got to go win the job. Mike Tomlin always said that Wilson was in the ‘pole position.’ This is not an automatic thing.

“In the spring, he showed them some ups and downs, from what I gathered. The same kind of things we’re hearing about Justin Fields, I’m hearing about Russell Wilson. So now, he’s got to get out there, show it every day on the practice field and show it in the live games, as well.”