Tag: Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is a candidate to start for the first time since Week 1. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers open door for Russell Wilson to start

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Russell Wilson is back in the running to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are off to a 4-2 start with Justin Fields operating the offense.

Wilson will take first-team reps alongside Fields in preparation for facing the New York Jets in primetime on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

“Russ proved his health last week,” Tomlin said. “We’re looking hard at it this week. It is up for consideration.”

Pittsburgh is tied for first place in the AFC North. The Steelers made a decision in the offseason to go another direction at quarterback, moving on from 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and top backup Mason Rudolph. They combined for 10 total touchdowns — the same number Fields has through six games — in 17 regular-season games in 2023.

Wilson, 35, has started at least 14 regular-season games every season since he was drafted by the Seahawks in 2012. He was active for the first time last week at Las Vegas as the No. 2 quarterback behind Fields.

“Over the course of the week, I got comfortable with his ability to display his health,” Tomlin said of why Wilson is back in the picture.

“You knock it off to a degree just getting an in-helmet perspective on the work,” Tomlin said. “The reactions, the see-to-do, and some of those things. There’s also a totality of his resume as well that makes you more comfortable than guys with shorter resumes in that regard, in terms of his ability to play ball on a limited amount of exposure. I have that mentality about guys at other positions. Veteran players, there’s just comfort that comes with experience in those sometimes uncomfortable conversations.”

Tomlin said the Steelers are in no hurry to determine a starter, adding Wilson needs to “knock the rust off” in practice after not playing in a game since August.

Fields and Wilson competed for the starting job in training camp, when Wilson was bothered by a calf injury. Tomlin took the decision down to the final preseason game before declaring Wilson, who is still listed No. 1 on the team’s official depth chart, the starter entering Week 1.

But by midweek entering the opener at Atlanta, Wilson’s calf injury had emerged again and Fields took all of the reps with the starting offense. He’s been the QB1 for the first six games this season while Wilson was working to return, primarily in position drills.

Fields has five touchdown passes, one interception and a passer rating of 93.9. He’s also tied for fifth in the NFL with five rushing touchdowns.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith clears protocol, available Sunday

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles receivers DeVonta Smith and Johnny Wilson have cleared concussion protocol and are available for Sunday’s game against the visiting Cleveland Browns, per multiple reports Friday.

Smith, 25, was injured during the Eagles’ 15-12 win at New Orleans on Sept. 22 and did not play in the 33-16 loss at Tampa Bay on Sept. 29. Philadelphia (2-2) had a bye last weekend.

Smith caught 21 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown in the first three games. The 2021 first-round pick posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.

He returns along with fellow wide receiver A.J. Brown and right tackle Lane Johnson, giving Philadelphia three key contributors back on offense against the Browns (1-4).

Wilson, 23, has one catch for 9 yards through four games. The 6-foot-6 rookie was a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Florida State.

–Field Level Media

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

Steelers QB Russell Wilson ramps up participation

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ailing quarterback Russell Wilson intends to increase his participation in practice and put behind him the calf injury keeping him out of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lineup.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remains steadfast in his approach to involving Wilson in Pittsburgh’s plans. He first wants Wilson to prove he’s healthy.

Tomlin said Tuesday that Wilson would “pick up” practice participation after being inactive for the first four games of the season. He strained his calf in training camp, giving former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields more time than expected with the starting offense.

Wilson was named the starter following the final preseason game in August, but was limited in practice before the Week 1 opener at Atlanta. His status did not change in September, when Fields led the Steelers to a 3-1 start.

Fields again is preparing to start for the Steelers against the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) on Sunday. Until Wilson gets on the field and completes practice as a full participant, Tomlin won’t be addressing whether Fields could possibly keep the job when both quarterbacks are healthy.

“There’s a potential for that, but we’re not there as we stand here today,” Tomlin said Tuesday.

Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers are optimistic guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and linebacker Nick Herbig (ankle) will be ready when the Cowboys visit Sunday night. He’s not as certain about running back Jaylen Warren and said linebacker Alex Highsmith is out for the second game in a row with a groin injury.

Seumalo’s return would be timely following the likely season-ending Achilles injury to James Daniels at Indianapolis. Daniels was ruled out by Tomlin, but the Steelers have not yet placed the veteran guard on injured reserve.

Three of the Steelers’ next four games are in primetime.

Pittsburgh lost for the first time this season at Indianapolis last week. Fields had 312 yards passing and ran for 55 yards with two TDs, leading the offense to touchdowns on three consecutive drives after a costly fumble trying to evade a sack nearly 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Tomlin gave his first harsh assessment of Fields on Sunday night after the loss to the Colts.

“Appreciate his fight, but he and we were a little bit sloppy at times. Too sloppy to secure victory,” Tomlin said.

Wilson last started a game on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos benched him for the final two regular-season games in a contract dispute that led to the former Super Bowl winner being released. He signed with the Steelers in March after also visiting the New York Giants.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers stick with QB Justin Fields, avoid ‘hypotheticals’ around Russell Wilson

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin knows 2-0 is significant, but the Los Angeles Chargers show up for Pittsburgh’s home opener with the same record.

“They’ve taken the ball away. They play to a definitive personality, one that I am familiar with,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “Familiar with (offensive coordinator) Greg (Roman). I would imagine he doesn’t care we’re familiar with his mode of operation. That’s what makes him one of the best in the business.”

While Roman is working under Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to prepare hobbled quarterback Justin Herbert, Tomlin pointed to sticking with Justin Fields at the controls of the Pittsburgh offense as Russell Wilson remains unlikely to practice on Wednesday.

“As I sit here today, Russ is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice,” Tomlin said. “We’ll follow Russ throughout the week. We are readying ourselves around Justin. And we’ll stay in that mindset until something happens. Hypotheticals is a waste of time. We’ll stay in that mindset.”

Tomlin praised Fields desire to compete and steadiness in various environments.

But while pointing out the road environment caused a “thoughtful” approach to throwing the ball downfield and avoiding risks, Tomlin wouldn’t answer whether Fields has done enough to nail down the starting job when Wilson is cleared.

“I’m focused on the next task. Until Russell gets to a state of readiness where he’s a consideration, I won’t speculate in any way,” Tomlin said. “I’ve stated where we are. My position regarding the pecking order and the depth chart hasn’t changed, and it won’t, until the other guy is ready. I don’t speculate. I don’t know how many ways I can say this.”

Tomlin praised both quarterbacks: Wilson for his professionalism and modeling leadership for younger players during a time of adversity and Fields for being an all-out competitor who enters a fight with his fists fully loaded.

He said the decision at quarterback could be revisited when and if Wilson is healthy, who isn’t yet cleared to be a full participant in practice.

A division rival of the Ravens and Harbaugh’s brother, John, the Steelers also are preparing for former Baltimore running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. They’re now the 1-2 punch for Roman and the engine of the Chargers’ running game averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Los Angeles has 395 rushing yards in two games.

The Chargers also employ a defensive coordinator familiar to Tomlin in Jesse Minter; Tomlin worked with Minter’s dad, Rick Minter, at University of Cincinnati.

Tomlin said left guard Isaac Seumalo “might be closer to return” if he can participate in practice this week. He missed the first two games with a pectoral injury.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Cameron Rising (7) and running back Micah Bernard (2) celebrate a touchdown against the Baylor Bears during the first quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Report: Utah QB Cameron Rising (finger) unlikely to play vs. Utah State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Utah star quarterback Cameron Rising is unlikely to play Saturday against host Utah State due to a finger injury on his throwing hand, the Action Network reported Thursday.

Rising injured the finger on his right hand during the Utes’ 23-12 victory over Baylor last Saturday. He was pushed into coolers just off the sideline in the second quarter and later returned to the bench area with two fingers taped together and wearing street clothes.

Utah coach Kyle Whittington hasn’t formally ruled out Rising. He termed his injury as “not real serious.”

The report indicated Rising is expected back for Utah’s road game against Oklahoma State on Sept. 21.

Freshman Isaac Wilson, the younger brother of Denver Broncos quarterback Zach Wilson, will start for the No. 12 Utes (2-0) if Rising can’t go.

Wilson completed 4 of 9 passes for 30 yards against Baylor for the Utes, who were scoreless in the second half.

“I have to prepare the same every week, whether I’m the first, second or third string,” Wilson said earlier this week. “Just gotta prepare. I could have prepared a little better last game. I felt like I did good, but there’s always more to improve on.”

Rising has completed 18 of 29 passes for 346 yards and seven touchdowns in less than four quarters of action this season.

Rising, 25, missed all of last season after tearing multiple ligaments and meniscus cartilage in his left knee during a loss to Penn State in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2, 2023.

He played his first game in nearly 20 months on Aug. 29 against Southern Utah and tossed a career-best five touchdown passes in one half of action before leaving the 49-0 victory. Rising wore a bulky brace on the left knee to protect it.

Whittingham said Brandon Rose will back up Wilson if the latter starts against the Aggies. Rose, a third-year sophomore, made his first college appearance late in the Southern Utah game. He didn’t attempt a pass and gained 8 yards on one carry.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Steelers preparing QB Justin Fields to start at Denver

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Mike Tomlin takes the Steelers back on the road this week with Pittsburgh attempting to start the regular season 2-0 for the first time since 2020.

As of Tuesday, Tomlin said Pittsburgh’s game plan involves Justin Fields starting at quarterback with Russell Wilson not yet 100 percent with a calf injury.

“As I sit here today, we’re preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback,” Tomlin said. “Russ is not scheduled to work in totality (Wednesday).”

Until proven otherwise, Wilson would make his return to Denver as an observer. The Broncos released Wilson in March despite a salary cap hit of more than $80 million over the next two seasons.

Tomlin said he will only consider players that are available and, at the moment, he plans to invest in preparation with Fields until Wilson is able to be a full participant in practice. If Wilson gets back to practice this week, the quarterback pecking order is subject to change, according to Tomlin.

“I’m not going to soothe you with hypotheticals. I am unmoved by some of those narratives to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said of whether Wilson is considered the QB1 when healthy.

Fields completed 73.3 percent of his passes (17 of 23) and did not commit a turnover to lead the Steelers to an 18-10 win at Atlanta in Week 1. Fields also had 57 yards on 14 carries.

“It’s good to be in the stadium with the guy. We certainly know a lot more about him after that,” Fields said.

He clicked with wide receiver George Pickens, who caught six passes for 85 yards, but Tomlin said Pittsburgh is wary of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II in a “very hostile environment” at Denver.

“He’s technically as sound as they come. I was at his pro day he was as pro-ready as any corner I’ve seen,” Tomlin said.

A “battery of movement” is scheduled for Wilson this week but Tomlin said he won’t talk about when and if Wilson could start over Fields depending on his practice status later in the week.

“The guys on the field are the guys that are making the plays,” Tomlin said when asked if Wilson was involved in communication with Fields on the sideline at Atlanta.

Tomlin described the Week 1 situation with Wilson as “quarterback instability” with a decision on the team’s starting quarterback going to gameday, when Wilson felt his calf issue would be too limiting.

“I just visited with him, he feels better today than he did over the weekend. Over the course of the week we’ll be analyzing whether he’s capable of protecting himself,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin confirmed punter Cam Johnston is out for the year with a “major knee injury.”

–Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not name a starting quarterback for Week 1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields still fighting for starting spot

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields get one final dress rehearsal Saturday at Detroit to make a case to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin suggested Wilson was in “pole position” entering training camp, but a calf injury limited his participation and opened the door for Fields to take most of the first-team snaps.

They each played five offensive series last week against the Bills and Tomlin wants to see both on the field this week before determining a pecking order at the position for the Week 1 visit to the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’m in the mindset that it’s a dry rehearsal, man. I want to see the fruit of the labor that I’ve seen out here on the practice field,” Tomlin said of what he wants to see from the offense this week. “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 stadium yet. In a perfect world, I’d like to see that in the stadium before I move on to provide reps for some other guys that are trying to get a job for themselves.”

Tomlin said Fields has shown “a really high floor with splash plays” on the practice field. If the same traits are evident this week, Tomlin could face a more difficult decision than he once thought.

“I want to see him show some of the things that we’ve seen out here in the practice setting,” Tomlin said of Fields.

Fields had two weeks in the preseason to operate with the starters before Wilson returned to split the starter reps in practice.

“I think I’ve shown what I can do,” Fields said. “I think the time that I did have with the (first team) practicing in training camp, I think that went well. … But at the end of the day, it’s not up to me.”

–Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) was sacked five times and threw for only 81 yards against a stingy Bills defense.

QB Zach Wilson waits for trade, not at Jets’ workouts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson will not attend voluntary offseason workouts in what general manager Joe Douglas labeled a “player’s choice.”

There has been no traction gained in trade talks with teams interested in Wilson, Douglas said Friday at his pre-draft news conference. But Wilson is still hoping to play elsewhere next season and didn’t report to the start of the Jets’ offseason program.

“I think it’s each player’s choice whether they’re going to be here for phase one,” Douglas said. “These are all voluntary. There are quite a few players that haven’t come for the first week so, look, that’s a decision that Zach has to make.”

Douglas granted Wilson’s request for permission to seek a trade in February before New York added former Giants backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor to back up Aaron Rodgers.

New York took Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, and he has a record of 12-21 as an on-again, off-again starter for three seasons.

Rodgers is coming back from a torn Achilles to be the starter in 2024.

Douglas signaled during the NFL Scouting Combine in February that Wilson’s time with the franchise likely was over.

“I’ve had good conversations with his agent, Brian Ayrault,” Douglas said. “Where we are exactly, we’ve given them permission to talk to other teams about a trade. … Other than that, there’s nothing else to report.”

Wilson, 24, was 4-7 in 2023 and passed for 2,271 yards with eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. Through 34 games (33 starts), he has completed 57.0 percent of his passes for 6,293 yards, 23 TDs and 25 picks.

Of the five first-round quarterbacks from the 2021 draft, only No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars will be his original team’s starter in 2024.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance third overall and traded him to the Dallas Cowboys last August. Justin Fields was the No. 11 pick by the Chicago Bears and Mac Jones went 15th to the New England Patriots. The Steelers acquired Fields last month and Jones was traded to be Lawrence’s backup with the Jaguars.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks on from the sideline in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos to bargain bin: QB Russell Wilson officially joins Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Russell Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, sharing a snapshot of the signature moment at the team facility to social media.

Wilson, 35, was released by the Denver Broncos two years into a five-year, $245 million contract he signed after a trade ended his 10-year run with the Seattle Seahawks.

Wilson, who first visited the New York Giants, quickly agreed to join the Steelers after meeting with coach Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Cash committed by the Broncos sets the Steelers up for a serious bargain. Spotrac lists Wilson at No. 79 among quarterbacks in total contract value, behind the likes of Malik Cunningham (Ravens, $1.665 million), Tommy DeVito (Giants, $1.665M), Nate Sudfeld (Lions, $1.6M), Carson Wentz (Rams, $1.32M) and Kyle Allen (Bills, $1.232M).

The Steelers owe the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback and nine-time Pro Bowl pick just $1.2 million for 2024 because the Broncos are obligated to pay $38 million guaranteed in their five-year contract.

By divorcing from Wilson, Denver is taking on a record $85 million dead money hit on the salary cap.

Pittsburgh ownership was adamant there would be competition this season for Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick and the only other quarterback under contract. Mason Rudolph started three games and led Pittsburgh to the playoffs in 2023 but signed with the Tennessee Titans on Thursday.

Wilson played in two offenses and under two head coaches in Denver. He was benched by Sean Payton for the last two games of the 2023 season. He said the move was a reaction to his resistance to the team demanding Wilson renegotiate his contract. The team’s concern was an injury would trigger guarantees in his contract beyond 2024.

Wilson posted an 11-19 record in 30 starts.

Wilson took Seattle to a pair of Super Bowls during a decorated decade with the Seahawks, winning a championship at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

He won 104 regular-season games as the starter in Seattle and has passed for 43,653 yards with 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions in 188 career contests. He has added 5,307 rushing yards and 29 scores in 188 NFL starts.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson addition puts charge into Steelers’ futures

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Russell Wilson’s decision to cook the next chapter of his NFL career in Pittsburgh didn’t cause oddsmakers to flinch, but the public reacted swiftly to the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback choosing the Steelers.

After news broke Sunday night that Wilson had settled on Pittsburgh once he is officially released by Denver, the Steelers’ odds of winning the Super Bowl remained at +8000 at BetMGM. However, the sportsbook reported that since the news, 38 percent of all new bets on the Super Bowl champion next season were placed on Pittsburgh.

The Steelers remain tied for the seventh-longest odds at BetMGM, equal with the team Wilson spent his first 10 NFL seasons with (Seattle at +8000) and slightly ahead of the one he toiled the past two years for (Denver at +10000).

Wilson wasn’t the only major headline ahead of the start of free agency that failed to spark movement in futures markets.

The Kansas City Chiefs remained the +350 favorite to win the AFC Championship and have the second-shortest Super Bowl odds at +650 after defensive lineman Chris Jones reportedly agreed to a $95 million extension. And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl odds were unchanged at +6600 after reportedly keeping quarterback Baker Mayfield with a $100 million deal.

Wilson was the first of the starting quarterback dominoes to change destinations this offseason. Whether that proves a significant enough addition for the Steelers to compete in the stacked AFC North — much less the AFC — very much remains to be season

Wilson, 35, also reportedly sat down with the New York Giants before apparently deciding to team up with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Per an ESPN report, Wilson — a former Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback — will sign a team-friendly one-year deal that will result in his former employer, the Denver Broncos, paying $38 million of his salary.

Upon the reports surfacing on Sunday, Wilson posted a video of Steelers fans on X, formerly known as Twitter, along with the caption, “Year 13. Grateful.”

Wilson would join Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ 2022 first-round pick, as the team’s only quarterbacks under contract. Mason Rudolph started three games and led Pittsburgh to the playoffs in 2023 but is headed to free agency. Mitch Trubisky, who started two games for the Steelers last season, returned to Buffalo, where he played in 2021.

Earlier this week, the Broncos gave Wilson permission to seek a new employer before they officially release him when the 2024 NFL league year begins on Wednesday. The Broncos are facing a huge dead-cap hit of $85 million but can save some money if the veteran lands a new deal.

Wilson was benched for the last two games of the 2023 season to avoid an injury that would trigger guarantees in his contract. He posted an 11-19 record in 30 starts across two seasons with the Broncos.

Wilson took Seattle to a pair of Super Bowls during a decorated decade with the Seahawks, winning a championship at Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

He won 104 regular-season games as the starter in Seattle and has passed for 43,653 yards with 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions in 188 career contests. He has added 5,307 rushing yards and 29 scores.

–Field Level Media