Russell Wilson will start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their preseason finale against Detroit on Saturday.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Thursday that Wilson and all the healthy starters will play against the Lions, though he did not specify how long they would be on the field.
Tomlin also mentioned there has been “no change” in the quarterback depth chart, with Wilson still listed ahead of Justin Fields. Wilson has had limited availability due to a calf injury.
So far, neither Wilson nor Fields have managed to score a touchdown during their game time. Both are aiming to fix this before the regular season starts in Atlanta on Sept. 8.
Tomlin wants to see their hard work from practice reflected in the game. “We’ve had some really awesome practice days and shown really good consistency and fundamentals and splash play ability, but I haven’t seen it in the stadium yet,” he said.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had earlier reduced the play calls for Wilson in a 9-3 loss to Buffalo to protect his calf. Tomlin doesn’t expect any play-calling restrictions for Wilson in the game against Detroit.
Tomlin has hinted that Wilson is in the “pole position” for the starting job, but has not officially declared a winner. Fields is focusing on his performance rather than the competition, believing his mobility provides a unique advantage. His main challenge has been finding the right balance between being aggressive and playing it safe with his passing.
