Russell Wilson 'ahead of schedule' with his preseason prep following injury setback in camp

Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson says he’s feeling healthy again after a calf strain curtailed the start of his training camp last month. He should know even more about his progress later Thursday when the team conducts a joint practice with the Bills.

But on Wednesday in Latrobe, Pa., when the Steelers were packing for home, Wilson said he’s been doing good work, even with a tender calf.

“I’ve been working every single day,” Wilson told reporters. “Even the days I was a little bit lighter with the team (practices). I was just getting all the fundamental work. And then obviously, over the past two weeks, really been building up a lot of reps and the team drills and everything else. That’s been great. I’ve been full the last several days and everything else.”

Russell Wilson was unquestioned QB1 reps today, and he feels good after ramping up the past 2 weeks pic.twitter.com/sLc8urtR8Y

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 14, 2024

The Steelers returned home in time for Thursday’s practice against the Bills at Acrisure Stadium. They’ll then play Buffalo Saturday for each team’s middle game in a three-contest August schedule. The games are used to help with roster decisions. The NFL mandates that each team be down to 53 players on Aug. 27.

It’s unclear whether Wilson will play against the Bills. Coach Mike Tomlin should say so, sometime soon. The Steelers coach held him out of last Friday’s game against the Texans. Instead, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen handled the quarterbacking duties.

But although Wilson’s game status may be uncertain, he should practice today during what could be some intensely spirited workouts. The last time the two teams met was back in January during wildcard weekend.

Tomlin said that Wilson “had a really good day” Wednesday during the final training camp session at Saint Vincent’s College. Wilson took most of the first-team snaps at QB. After he strained his calf muscle, Fields received those reps.

“It’s been an arrow pointed up the whole time,” Tomlin said of Wilson’s growth during late July through mid August. “I like the trajectory of it, certainly.”

Then the Steelers coach conceded that he and Wilson still are getting to built their on-field relationship. After all, Wilson only has been with the team since March. He spent the past two seasons in Denver, then before that, he quarterbacked the Seahawks.

“You know, it’s a get-to-know (process),” Tomlin told reporters about Wilson.”We’ve known each other from a distance. Obviously, we’re both Virginia guys. But you don’t really know people until you get the opportunity to work with them day-to-day. And we’ve established a foundation in that regard. But it’s just the beginning to be quite honest with you. The journey that is the season is going to provide opportunities for us to do that.”