Related: Steelers Week 1 Injury Report
Quarterback Russell Wilson’s participation in Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons is questionable after he was unable to train optimally over the past two days due to a calf injury.
On Friday, Wilson said he focused “mostly on throwing” in practice, while fellow quarterback Justin Fields also got in the act.
“I just felt a little bit tense (on Thursday),” Wilson said. “I wanted to play it smart. Obviously we’re playing the game on Sunday, I hope I can be there. I’m just trying to get ready for it.”
“I’m trying to prepare my body for rock’n’roll. So we’re doing everything we can.”
“I just tried to focus on the throws (in practice). I really didn’t try to do too much. I tried to be smart, knowing we have everything today and tomorrow. And then of course Sunday morning.”
Coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday that Wilson is being evaluated further and the news is good.
“There was good news,” Wilson said. “It wasn’t anything extremely bad or anything like that. So that was good news. I have to be smart and obviously we’re trying to play 20 or 21 games and I’m trying to play in all of them. That’s kind of my mindset and that’s how we want to approach it.”
Tomlin also confirmed that the calf injury was the same one Wilson suffered in training camp.
“I think the worst part is that you hate those annoying things,” Wilson said. “I’ve been doing great for the last few weeks. I’ve been doing really well. I was just a little weird yesterday.”
“I think the most important thing is to prepare to win. I think that’s what we’re focused on right now. We’re doing what we can, myself included, and obviously getting ready to go. And I’ll be ready. If I can go, I’ll go and try to do everything I can to help us win. That’s how I feel about it. And if not, I’ll do everything I can to help us win that way too. So, as you know, I’ll do everything I can to be ready to go.”
Wilson brought an impressive resume to the Steelers, starting all 188 games he played over 12 seasons. Since 2012, he has led his teams to 115 regular-season victories, making him the best active quarterback. He has completed 3,668 of 5,665 passes for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns.
Wilson has started 16 postseason games, completing 275 of 451 passes for 3,786 yards with 25 touchdowns. During his time in Seattle, Wilson led the Seahawks to eight playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.
He has missed very few hours of play in his career and Wilson said there have been times when he has missed training but was still ready to play on game day.
“There have been times when I’ve been limited in practice and I played on Sunday,” said Wilson, who added that the most important thing is getting treatment. “I’m not worried about that. The most important thing is helping us win.”
If Wilson is unable to play on Sunday, the Steelers have a solid backup plan with Fields.
