Early this year, the Steelers brought Russell Wilson to the team. While everyone thought that the veteran quarterback would start for them, his time has been affected by injuries. The calf injury forced him out of the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Rising to the occasion, Justin Fields led the team to an easy 18-10 win. And his case is strong.

Former Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson voiced his opinion about the starting quarterback competition on the 1st & Pod podcast. Talking to Andrew Fillipponi, the CB said, “Now he has the hot hand. Russ didn’t have the best of preseasons. So now he’s missing 3 more weeks of football and now you got the younger Justin Fields playing you know mistake free football if he’s able to keep this up. He’s not turning the ball over, making good decisions. The running game is really really solid Pittsburgh style football.”

While Fields led them to a smooth win in the week 1 game, the hosts wondered about Russell Wilson’s reaction. Fillipponi mentioned that the veteran wouldn’t take the decision in a good way, and the ex-CB agreed with him. However, Peterson also mentioned his experience with them and said, “Just being around there last year, I’m telling you. If a young fella go 3-0, mark my word, he will be the starter.”

Fields’ prowess on the gridiron was evident during the first game of the 2024 season. Completing 17 of 23 passes with 156 passing yards, he looked in fine form during the game. He also led the team with 57 rushing yards. The next 2 games are crucial for his future. Steelers haven’t signed a contract extension with him, setting him up to become a free agent in 2025.

The only thing in question now is the veteran’s comeback from the injury.

Russell Wilson’s injury update

Russ was confident about his return after the practice camp on September 12, 2024. HC Mike Tomlin expressed caution about QB’s rehab, saying that his staff was intentionally keeping the practice short for Wilson. But the QB has been frustrated about the ankle injury since picking it up during the training camp. He has been dealing with it for more than a month.

However, the QB is trying to boost himself. Hoping for a timely return, Russell Wilson said, “Anybody who knows me, I always want to go and play and that’s how I get my mind ready, my body ready for that, to play.” But Tomlin will not allow the QB to play until he gets a clearance from the medical team. And there is still no expected time of return set for the veteran.

The tides are turning into the inexperienced player’s side as the season goes forward. Can Russell Wilson make a comeback? Stay tuned for updates.