Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson appears to be making progress as the team prepares for their Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, there remains a significant hurdle he needs to overcome before returning to the field, according to Wilson himself.
“The biggest thing, to be honest, is being able to run well and move around efficiently,” Wilson told reporters on October 10, as reported by Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Mike DeFabo of The Athletic.
“I feel like I’ve been able to do that this week,” the veteran QB added. “I moved around a bit today and felt really confident. It was great to experience that.”
The next step for Wilson is to consistently perform at that level throughout an entire game.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Tuesday, October 8, suggesting that Wilson might still be a week away from being seriously considered as the starter over Justin Fields. However, Tomlin left the possibility open for a decision later in the week.
Wilson, on the other hand, seemed more optimistic about his chances to start in Week 6.
“Yeah, I feel confident that I’d be ready to play and compete at a high level,” Wilson said. “I think we’re being smart about it, trying to understand how [my calf] feels. It’s my first full week back with the team, playing and all, so I feel confident — the ball’s spinning well, so that’s a good sign.”
The former Super Bowl champion also expressed that there was “no doubt” in his mind he’d be ready when called upon.
Russell Wilson Stops Short of Confirming a Week 6 Start for Steelers
Despite his confidence in being able to play, Wilson’s comments on October 10 revealed some caution when he was asked about his expected role for Sunday’s game.
“That’s a big question,” Wilson said with a chuckle, acknowledging that Tomlin had not yet named him the starter behind closed doors.
“For me, I’m preparing mentally to be ready,” he said more seriously. “That’s my mindset — to help us win in whatever way I can. So, I’m just getting ready for Friday.”
The Steelers have a few more practices before Sunday’s game against the Raiders. If Fields isn’t expected to start, Tomlin would likely notify the team about the change at quarterback by October 11 at the latest.
There’s also the question of whether Wilson will be activated as the backup over third-string QB Kyle Allen or continue as the emergency QB3 in Las Vegas.
Steelers to Face Aidan O’Connell’s Raiders, Not Gardner Minshew’s, in Week 6
While the Steelers have yet to confirm their starting quarterback for Week 6, their opponent has already made a change.
“QB news: The Raiders are making a switch, as coach Antonio Pierce has named Aidan O’Connell as the starting quarterback this week,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on October 9. “Gardner Minshew, the starter up until now, is being benched.”
Additionally, the Raiders will be without star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) for another week, and standout defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (foot) has been placed on injured reserve.
If Week 6 wasn’t already a must-win for the Steelers, the recent developments with the Raiders certainly make it so.
