PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is nearing a return from a lingering calf injury. On Thursday, Wilson spoke to the media, confirming that he has begun participating in team drills for the first time since the injury flared up. Though he’s still listed as a limited participant on the injury report, Wilson noted that the team is gradually increasing his activity.
“We’re definitely ramping it up,” Wilson said. “I feel great, and I’m improving every day. I’ve been able to join team drills and get more reps, which has been great this week. Doing 11-on-11, 7-on-7—it’s been good.”
Wilson has yet to resume running or rollouts, which are the final steps in his recovery. While he remains the Steelers’ top quarterback on the depth chart, Justin Fields will start Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. The team is still deciding whether Wilson will serve as the emergency third quarterback or the primary backup.
“The main focus is making sure I’m physically ready,” Wilson said. “Every day, I’ve been prepared to step in if needed, just in case of an emergency. That’s been my mentality—to be ready and help us win if called upon.”
Wilson is taking his recovery one day at a time, with a full return expected soon. This week is seen as a “ramp-up” phase before he’s fully cleared ahead of the Steelers’ Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. At that point, head coach Mike Tomlin will need to decide who will be the starting quarterback moving forward.
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