DENVER — Russell Wilson's debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers might have to wait.
After sitting out Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons with a calf injury, Wilson is reportedly feeling better, but might not get the start on Sunday in Denver.
"He feels better today than he did over the weekend," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. "What that means, I don't know as we sit here today. I know that we're going to take the same approach that we take with a lot of people in terms of injury. We'll first start with his participation and his level of participation, his quality of participation. Over the course of the week, we'll be analyzing whether he's capable of protecting himself, whether he's capable of being productive.
"When we get to those points, that's when we'll ponder his inclusion or not, and when that happens, we'll probably be a component of that equation," Tomlin said. "But as I sit here today, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time. Russell's hurt. He's not available to us."
According to Tomlin, Wilson will not participate fully in Wednesday's practice and the team will meet with doctors to determine a plan for the rest of the week.
Tomlin declined to give a definitive answer when asked whether Wilson would start Sunday if he's healthy.
Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowler who signed with the Steelers after being cut by the Broncos earlier this year. He earned the starting job for Pittsburgh during the preseason, only to aggravate a calf injury in practice last Thursday.
The Broncos and Steelers kick off at 2:25 p.m. Sunday at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
"The Steelers are planning to start QB Justin Fields on Sunday once again, coach Mike Tomlin just told reporters," NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport posted on X. "QB Russell Wilson, who missed Week 1 with calf tightness, is feeling better. And he’ll be monitored. But no revenge game against the Broncos this weekend," Rapoport said.
