Sunday’s Week 1 clash between the Steelers and Falcons was supposed to be Russell Wilson’s start of redemption arc. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out as planned because they declared the former Broncos quarterback inactive because of a calf injury. But this didn’t mean Wilson wasn’t allowed to be present at the game. The Steelers QB made the headlines without taking the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

As pointed out by ex-NFLer Nate Collins in the podcast Green Light with Chris Long, “If you are inactive, your pads are not in your locker. I feel like that’s almost like illegal because it looks like you have an extra player on the sideline. How do you still get to have your shoulder pads as an inactive player?”

Well, Wilson not only had his shoulder pads on but also wore his full uniform, which led to many questioning the rules.

For an inactive player, they should be on the sidelines wearing regular clothes, as they wouldn’t be allowed to play on the field. But having his full kit on and eyeblack showed an unusual approach that caught everyone’s attention. After seeing Wilson’s avatar on the matchday, reactions started to pour in from every corner of the NFL. One fan wrote, “Russell Wilson wearing his full pads while being inactive is the most Russell Wilson thing ever.”

Meanwhile, others laughed after seeing the Steelers QB’s appearance on the night, “Russell Wilson being inactive and in full pads is cracking me up.” However, there could be a reason why Wilson lingered in his shoulder pads. Notably, the team listed him as the Steelers’ emergency QB if other players ahead of him get injured.

Although it looked like Wilson had hopes of making his debut on Sunday, it wasn’t meant to be, as Justin Fields led the Steelers to an 18-10 victory over the Falcons. But can Wilson come back strong, or will it be too late, as Fields showed his capabilities on the night?

Justin Fields’ impressive debut keeps Russell Wilson on the edge

Even though they announced Wilson as the starting QB this offseason, his calf injury took away the debut he was hoping for. After leaving Wilson out of the game, Field took on the opportunity by leading the Steelers. Finishing the night, Fields racked up 17-of-23 passes with 156 passing yards and 14 carries. From the moment Fields started in the NFL with the Bears in 2021, his talents were there for everyone to see.

Throughout 40 games in the NFL, the backup to Wilson has recorded 2,220 rushing yards and 14 TDs to his name. Even though Wilson is a veteran of the game, having won nine Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl title. Likewise, he could find it tough to break into the starting lineup after Sunday.

As called by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, “I’ll also be interested to see whether Pittsburgh goes back to Russell Wilson. Justin Fields was solid but not spectacular. And there’s still a belief in some corners of the building that there’s a considerable amount of upside Fields gives the offense that Wilson can’t.” 

If it does come true, then Wilson could be in for a tough time at Pittsburgh with potential dark clouds hovering above his future in the NFL.

But it isn’t clear yet, as Wilson traveled with the team to face the Broncos in Atlanta. Only time will tell whether Russell Wilson can get back into the team while rediscovering his mojo back in the NFL.