Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson aggravates calf injury and could miss Falcons game

PITTSBURGH– Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson reported calf tightness to the coaching staff during practice Thursday in preparation for the game against the Atlanta Falcons and was limited, head coach Mike Tomlin said.

Wilson suffered a calf injury on the team's first day in Latrobe during training camp. During the conditioning test, Wilson pulled a calf while pushing a log sled. Wilson did not speak Thursday, although he was scheduled to speak to reporters. Justin Fields took over most of the team's drills, with Wilson out for parts of the team's periods.

Wilson could miss Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Tomlin said the team would evaluate Wilson on Friday and see where he stands. Wilson is scheduled to speak to the media on Friday, as is Fields. The healthier and better-looking quarterback will start against the Falcons.

“He was only available for limited play today. His calf was tight,” Tomlin said of Wilson. “We want to be cautious. We'll examine him tomorrow and then move on.”

Wilson was just getting back to 100 percent after his injury. Initially, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith limited the number of plays Wilson made outside of the pocket, but that has improved in recent weeks. With Wilson now dealing with calf tightness, the playbook would likely be smaller if Wilson were to face the Falcons.

Fields also offers much more mobility when healthy. Aside from an offensive line that could struggle against top pass rushers Grady Jarrett and Matt Judon, Fields has the dynamic ability to create spectacular plays. If Wilson is injured and can't move well in the pocket, the Steelers will likely turn to Fields for Sunday's game.