Russell Wilson effectively won the Steelers' starting quarterback battle, but a training camp calf injury flared up before Pittsburgh's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has since insisted the team's focus is on the players available, a group Wilson simply hasn't belonged to. As such, it's somewhat unclear if Justin Fields can steal the starting job from Wilson with solid play without Wilson even taking the field.
Naturally, that means Wilson must get on the field as soon as possible to secure his position on the depth chart, at least in his own best interest.
With a return trip to Denver on the Week 2 slate, naturally, the storyline surrounding Wilson playing another former team was quite buzzworthy. Unfortunately, however, Wilson's availability is still in question.
Russell Wilson Will Be the Emergency 3rd QB against the Broncos
As is the standard for Pittsburgh's protocol concerning injured players, how much they practice will most often determine their availability for gameday.
In Week 1, Wilson practiced on Wednesday but was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday after his calf injury resurfaced. As such, he was designated as inactive but did suit up as the emergency third quarterback. A recent rule change in the NFL allows teams to dress a third quarterback who is inactive and unavailable unless the team's first two quarterbacks leave the game due to injury.
As for Week 2, Wilson was a limited participant all three days. Since the Steelers don't want Wilson on the field until he is 100%, the standard practice for the team will be to repeat his status from Week 1 again against Denver.
Justin Fields Gets His Second Start as a Steeler
Of course, this means Justin Fields will once again be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kyle Allen will be his backup.
Fields performed admirably, though far from perfectly, against the Falcons in the season opener. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith drew up a game plan that would utilize his strengths and avoid the Falcons' game-wreckers and it worked well enough for a victory.
Steelers fans are hopeful the offense will open up a bit more against the Broncos, especially with Fields having a full week of practice as the starter.
While it's unfortunate that Wilson doesn't get the chance to shine against his former team, if he is to return as the starting quarterback, Pittsburgh needs him at full strength. Besides, if this soft-tissue injury is going to nag him all season, which is a strong possibility, the Steelers need to get Fields as many in-game reps as reasonably possible.