You can probably think of a movie scene or quote in which a creepy side character warns the courageous protagonist to 'turn back'. These warnings aren't exclusive to pre-scripted cinema. A former NFL quarterback recently warned the Pittsburgh Steelers against the dangers of deploying Russell Wilson in the season opener against the Falcons.
On August 5, Mike Tomlin informed the media that Wilson was dealing with 'calf tightness' just days ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 1 road game in Atlanta. Wilson missed most of training camp this year with a calf injury and was limited when he finally returned to the field.
Though the extent of this setback is unclear, one former player is begging Wilson to heed his advice. Long-time NFL backup and current podcast host for The Athletic, Chase Daniel, likened Wilson's situation to what Aaron Rodgers went through last season.
Rodgers dealt with 'calf tightness' during the summer of 2023, and just four plays into the regular season, he ruptured his Achilles.
Aaron Rodgers dealt with calf tightness all last summer…4 plays into the season he tears his Achilles.
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 5, 2024
Have to imagine The Steelers will be extra careful with Russell Wilson. https://t.co/9EMJt7PjKF
Rodgers wasn't the only quarterback dealing with calf issues last season. Kirk Cousins also ruptured his Achilles in 2023, while Joe Burrow's play was affected by his calf strain before the Bengals shut him down for the season in Week 12.
Steelers should bench Russell Wilson for Justin Fields vs. Falcons
Because this issue has been lingering since July (and possibly earlier), Mike Tomlin and the Steelers need to take this ailment seriously. We know how long calf issues can linger, and if they're not taken care of, a simple calf strain can turn into a full-blown Achilles rupture.
If the Steelers really want to see what Wilson has left, they can't throw him to the fire when he's dealing with calf tightness. Knowing he may not get another opportunity, the 35-year-old QB will try to do too much and wind up with a more severe injury.
The decision should be an easy one: start Justin Fields at quarterback against the Atlanta Falcons.
Neither quarterback blew our socks off during the preseason, but Fields was healthy. As a result, he wound up taking significantly more first-team reps at training camp. While there was never a true quarterback 'competition', the dropoff from Wilson to Fields is microscopic (if any).
Wilson could be reluctant to sit this one out -- knowing that he may not get another chance. However, since he's dealing with calf tightness and Fields is prepared to go, the Steelers need to roll with their 'backup' quarterback against the Falcons.