Russell Wilson could miss his first game in a Steelers jersey.
Pittsburgh listed the quarterback as questionable heading into Sunday's game in Atlanta due to a calf injury and backup Justin Fields appears more likely to start, 撸先生AV Network Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
"If I'm ready to go, I will go," Wilson told reporters Friday, adding that he hopes to play.
Rapoport added that Wilson will work out on Saturday and a final decision will then be made, though it's trending to Fields getting the start.
The calf issue cropped up before the first training camp practices. After it lingered, Wilson made two preseason appearances and was named the Steelers starting quarterback.
He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice but popped up as limited on Thursday, indicating a downward trend. He was listed as limited again on Friday.
"I just felt a little tight and just wanted to be smart about it," Wilson said. "Obviously [we] play the game on Sunday. I'm hoping to be in it but just trying to get ready to go."
Wilson entered camp the QB1 over Fields after both joined the club this offseason. The calf injury opened the door for the younger, more dynamic Fields. However, an up-and-down preseason from Fields that included some exchange miscues that irked coach Mike Tomlin kept Wilson in the starting seat.
Then, the calf issue returned.
If Wilson starts, the question is what capacity the 35-year-old signal-caller will be at and how that might affect an already questionable passing offense. If he plays, we could even see more Fields packages than initially planned from Steelers new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. If Fields get the start, it just might add some explosiveness to Pittsburgh's attack.
