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The Russell Wilson era in Pittsburgh will wait at least one week more as the projected starting passer recovers from a calf injury. He was ruled inactive for the Steelers‘ season opener against the Falcons, watching Justin Fields lead the team to victory.
Despite that inactive tag, Wilson donned his full pads and uniform on the sidelines. It provided a comical visual for NFL viewers.
Wilson’s calf injury has lingered since the preseason. The quarterback was sidelined for much of camp while attempting to become healthy enough to play in Week 1.
That absence created a bit of a QB debate as Justin Fields made his case for the starting role.
When all was said and done, Mike Tomlin quieted that talk by anointing Russell Wilson as the starter for the opener. Unfortunately, his lower body setback kept him from taking the field.
You wouldn’t have known it from his sideline attire!
Russell Wilson wearing shoulder pads despite being inactive might be the ultimate Russell Wilson moment. pic.twitter.com/z1bomHJvPW
— Matt Edwards (@MattEdwards) September 8, 2024
The signal caller showed up to the game fully dressed as if he was available for action. It landed an immediate response from football fans.
“Russell Wilson wearing his full uniform on the sideline while being inactive is a very Russell Wilson thing to do.”
Wilson’s cringe has been noted throughout his NFL career. This most recent change of scenery hasn’t stopped the corniness.
He just can’t help himself!
There was a reason Russell Wilson was suited up!
He was listed as the team’s emergency QB should the two players in front of him go down with injury. Still, the image was quite hilarious!
It appears Wilson tried to give it a go vs. Atlanta, testing out his calf in the hours leading up to kickoff. Ultimately, he made the decision to sit it out.
Justin Fields said that Russell Wilson came into the locker room after testing his injured calf and “he told me that I was up.” pic.twitter.com/xdDvGRmtjT
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 8, 2024
With Russell Wilson on the sidelines, it was Justin Fields who took the first snap. Though the Steelers never found the endzone, they did leave with an 18-10 victory to kick off the year.
Fields threw for 156 yards and ran for 57 more while the Pittsburgh defense held the Falcons to just 226 total yards.
We’ll see if Wilson can make his debut in Week 2.