Mike Tomlin updates Russell Wilson injury status amid training camp

Russell Wilson missed his third straight day of team practice, although the new Steelers quarterback is going through some individual drills in training camp.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he’s holding back Wilson as more of a precaution than a necessity.

“We’re starting to work Russ back,” Tomlin told reporters after Saturday’s practice. “He’s doing some individual work, we’ll continue to do (that). Again, we’re proceeding in extreme caution, man, because we’re afforded that, this time of year, particularly because I’m just getting to know him.

“So when you don’t have a background or relationship with someone, man, when you’re in my position it’s just prudent when given the opportunity to be a little bit cautious to make sure a small problem doesn’t become a big one.”

Coach Mike Tomlin talks to the media after #SteelersCamp practice on Saturday, July 27: pic.twitter.com/RXKb9QpCnV

— Steelers Live (@SteelersLive) July 27, 2024

Wilson injured his calf, but not in practice. Rather, he explained that he hurt his leg while pushing a blocking sled Wednesday, when the Steelers reported to training camp. He said it was part of a conditioning exercise.

Early Thursday, Steelers quarterbacks coach texted Justin Fields, another new player for Pittsburgh, that he’d be running the first team offense.

“We were doing a little sled push thing,” the Steelers quarterback said. “Just working hard, but sometimes these things happen. I feel good, and we’ll get there. Good thing is I’m getting a lot of the mental reps.”

Wilson said if this were a game week, he would play.

Russell Wilson is working with the team during warmups and going through stretches with them. pic.twitter.com/PHZWQGHkU8

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) July 27, 2024

The Steelers signed the 35-year-old Wilson in free agency back in March and then traded for Fields. If those two moves didn’t make it clear that Pittsburgh planned a new offense, trading starter Kenny Pickett to the Eagles certainly did. The Steelers also signed Kyle Allen and then added undrafted rookie free agent John Rhys Plumlee. The team did not re-sign Mason Rudolph or Mitch Trubisky who each started games last season.

Wilson, who has been a starter since his first season in Seattle, is the de facto first team QB and Tomlin said earlier in the week that his status had not changed. Of course, that can all change if Wilson’s calf muscle doesn’t heal quickly.

Wilson complimented Fields’ play to open training camp

“He’s done a good job,” Wilson said. “Every play, he’s going against a really good defense. … He’s a really good competitor. He processes well and he’s a tremendous young talent, for sure.”