Tag: Russell Wilson

Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during AFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Reports: Russell Wilson to meet with Browns, Giants this week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson will meet with both the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants this week, multiple outlets reported, as he looks to join his third team in four seasons.

Wilson, 36, played his first 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, but has been on the move of late after playing two seasons with the Denver Broncos and spending last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Wilson passed for 2,482 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions in 11 starts for the Steelers last season, while going 6-5. He missed time with a calf injury as the Steelers ended the season 10-7 and lost 28-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Wilson was 20-of-29 passing against the Ravens for 270 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Browns, who went 3-14 last season, will be without quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2025 because of an Achilles injury that required surgery. The Giants, who also went 3-14, moved on from quarterback Daniel Jones last season.

In 199 career NFL games, Wilson has completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 46,135 yards, 350 TDs and 111 interceptions. A 10-tme Pro Bowler, Wilson led the Seahawks to a 43-8 victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII following the 2013 season.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs away from Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

QB Russell Wilson stays in the moment as Steelers take on Browns

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Though the Steelers are well on their way to an AFC North title, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson realizes there is still plenty of work to do.

Wilson is starting to feel like he might be part of something special as the Steelers prepare for a meeting with the host Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, but he also doesn’t want Pittsburgh to get ahead of itself.

“I definitely think that we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is continuing to just take each week as the most important week of it all.

“I think that it’s not really even just the week, it’s just the day, it’s just the moments in between. I think the greatest teams, the greatest players, in any sport, especially the teams I’ve been on, is the moment — it’s never too far away. It’s right here, right now. And you’re just locked into that.”

The Steelers (8-2) have certainly been locked in. They are currently riding a five-game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Chris Boswell booted six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Cleveland (2-8) continues to go through the wringer. The Browns ended up on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout while facing the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.

Cleveland now has to go up against one of the most unforgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to direct a fundamentally sound performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

“It’s precision passing. Getting the ball out on time. Elite operation and just doing our job. It’s the simple things,” Winston said. “This team (the Steelers) is not going to try and fool you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us your best, we’re going to give you our best.’”

Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since his return from a knee injury that cut his 2023 season short, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.

Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge that Pittsburgh presents.

“Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night,” Stefanski said. “Well-coached team, great players on offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game.”

The Browns could be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder) were among those limited during the session.

Linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with an ankle issue and missed the Steelers’ practice on Tuesday. Cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring) participated in full.

–Field Level Media

Aug 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) looks at the scoreboard while sitting on the bench during the Steelers pre-season game against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Steelers QB Justin Fields (hamstring) inactive for MNF

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is inactive for Pittsburgh’s Week 8 game against the visiting New York Giants on “Monday Night Football.”

Kyle Allen will back up Russell Wilson, who is making his second straight start after Fields started the Steelers’ first six games.

Fields (hamstring) popped up on Sunday’s injury report and was listed as questionable for Monday despite being a full participant in practice all of last week. He tested his hamstring during pregame warmups before being ruled out. He’ll serve as Pittsburgh’s emergency quarterback against the Giants (2-5).

NFL Network reported that Fields’ injury is not major, but the Steelers (5-2) are being cautious with the 25-year-old as the team enters its bye week following Monday’s game.

Fields competed with Wilson for the starting job throughout the summer in each veteran’s first season with Pittsburgh. Wilson was named QB1 before the season opener, but a lingering calf injury resurfaced and kept him inactive for the Steelers’ first five games.

Pittsburgh went 3-2 with Fields under center during that span and stuck with the fourth-year veteran in Week 6 even after Wilson was activated. The Steelers won 32-13 at Las Vegas that week despite Fields completing just 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards.

Pittsburgh’s offense was pedestrian at best with Fields at the controls. The Steelers ranked 28th in passing and 20th in points through Week 6, prompting them to give Wilson a shot.

The 35-year-old started Pittsburgh’s Week 7 game against the visiting New York Jets and flourished in his team debut. The 13th-year veteran threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns to go along with a rushing score as the Steelers set their season-high scoring mark in a 37-15 win.

Pittsburgh enters Monday’s contest with a half-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.

The Steelers will also be without running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), center Zach Frazier (ankle) and linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring). Cornerback C.J. Henderson is also inactive.

The Giants are without cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson (neck) and Cor’Dale Flott (groin).

–Field Level Media

Oct 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (2) and Russell Wilson (3) watch the action against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers QB Justin Fields added to injury report vs. Giants

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers added Justin Fields as questionable to the injury report and downgraded running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson to out for Monday’s game against the visiting New York Giants.

Fields is nursing a sore hamstring while Patterson has an ankle injury.

Fields, 25, started the Steelers’ first six games of the season before being benched in favor of Russell Wilson last Sunday. Wilson threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 37-15 victory over the New York Jets.

Wilson is expected to be under center on Monday as the Steelers (5-2) take on the Giants (2-5). Kyle Allen would serve as the No. 2 quarterback if Wilson is unable to suit up.

Fields completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. He’s also rushed for 231 yards and five scores.

Patterson, 33, has been sidelined since rushing for 43 yards in Pittsburgh’s 27-24 setback to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 29. Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Aaron Shampklin are expected to handle the team’s rushing responsibilities.

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) works out before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers WR George Pickens reveals Russell Wilson to start vs. Jets

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Mike Tomlin still hasn’t revealed a decision, but it appears the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to give Russell Wilson his first start at quarterback Sunday night against the New York Jets.

Wide receiver George Pickens spoke with reporters Friday afternoon and was asked how he was doing working with Wilson, who missed the first part of the season with a calf injury.

“(We’re) getting on the same page after practice throwing — more than usual because, you know, this is his first start,” Pickens said Friday.

Tomlin, the Steelers’ longtime coach, has kept his quarterback plans close to the vest after Justin Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start.

Wilson, who was active last week and served as Fields’ backup in a blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, was not listed on the injury report this week. Reporters found out from offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. that Wilson was taking at least some of the first-team reps.

Fields spoke to reporters Thursday and sounded like a man who believed he had lost the starting job.

“I don’t think I played good enough, if I’m being real with you,” Fields said. “If I’m being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question of) who should be playing, who should not.

“At the end of the day, (we) got a few wins. Of course, I’m glad about that, but there’s areas that I could be better at and I’m just going to continue to work on those and continue to get better.”

Fields and Wilson competed for the starting job in training camp, when the latter was bothered by a calf injury. Tomlin made Wilson the QB1 at the end of the preseason, but Wilson’s leg injury crept up before Week 1 and he was inactive for the first five games.

Wilson was a Super Bowl champion with Seattle and came to Pittsburgh on a one-year, veteran-minimum contract after two underwhelming seasons in Denver.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) celebrates with team mates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Steelers’ Justin Fields takes blame; OC hints at divide in pending QB call

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields sounded like a man that believes he lost his job, even though head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to publicly hand the starter designation to Russell Wilson.

“I don’t think I played good enough, if I’m being real with you,” Fields said Thursday, when asked if it would be frustrating to not start Sunday’s game against the visiting New York Jets. “If I’m being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question of) who should be playing, who should not.

“At the end of the day, (we) got a few wins. Of course, I’m glad about that, but there’s areas that I could be better at and I’m just going to continue to work on those and continue to get better.”

Fields’ comments were noteworthy on the heels of veteran Wilson taking first-team reps this week.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith made it clear the past two weeks that Tomlin is making the final call at quarterback.

Last week, Smith seemed to send the strongest signal yet that his vote would be cast for Fields.

“There’s no drama to him. He doesn’t try to live through his avatar or create a perception. That’s probably why he was so endearing to his teammates in Chicago,” Smith said. “Extremely coachable, extremely bright.”

On Thursday, Smith repeated Tomlin has “a decision to make by the end of the week.”

“Unfortunately Russell missed a lot of time. Haven’t really got to see him,” Smith said Thursday. “I think Justin’s done a good job. By no means is anybody perfect around here but it’s about winning. I wish we were 6-0 — we’re not. I think we’ve made progress in certain areas some weeks.”

Fields and Wilson competed for the starting job in training camp, when the latter was bothered by a calf injury. Tomlin made Wilson the QB1 at the end of the preseason, but Wilson’s leg injury crept up before Week 1 and he was inactive for the first five games. Active as the No. 2 quarterback last week, Wilson was deemed healthy by Tomlin on Tuesday.

Fields, 25, has completed 66.3 percent of his passes for 1,106 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. He’s also rushed for 231 yards and five scores. The Steelers (4-2), however, rank 28th in passing and 20th in points.

“I want to be 6-0 right now, but it was a great opportunity for me,” Fields said. “Of course, I’m grateful for the opportunity. I did get those first six weeks, and we’ll just see what happens this week.”

Smith argued that Fields should not lose his confidence if the Steelers go back to Wilson.

“His confidence should be high. He’s 4-2. He’s been pretty productive,” Smith said. “So, whatever Mike tells us to do, we’ll have it ready either way. That’s our job.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers QB Russell Wilson expected to be active vs. Raiders

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson is likely to be active for his first game of the season Sunday when the Steelers visit the Las Vegas Raiders, coach Mike Tomlin said Friday.

Justin Fields is expected to start with Wilson as his backup. Wilson, who entered training camp as the starter, has been recovering from a strained calf suffered in August.

Fields has led the Steelers to a 3-2 record.

“He’s probably going to be active as the No. 2 quarterback,” Tomlin said of Wilson. “I like what I’ve seen out here. Again, health and rust are two different things. I thought he had a good week displaying his health, his ability to protect. Now it’s just a process of getting re-acclimated to the ball.”

Kyle Allen is the third quarterback on the roster.

Wilson, signed after his offseason release by the Denver Broncos, said he was able to practice all week.

“I was able to do a lot more this week,” he said. “It was exciting to get back out there and be a full participant and do everything, all the reps and everything else.”

Wilson, 35, led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in his second season. In 188 games with the Seahawks (2012-21) and Broncos, he has a 115-72-1 record as a starter.

Fields, 25, played his first three seasons with the Chicago Bears and was 10-28 as their starter.

–Field Level Media