Russell Wilson out with injury, Justin Fields to start for Steelers in Week 1 against Falcons | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Russell Wilson will miss Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons with a calf injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

This means that Justin Fields will start in his place.

Wilson, 35, was signed by the Steelers this offseason after the Denver Broncos released him following two disastrous – and very expensive – seasons. He was brought in with the assumption that he would likely be the starter, despite competing all summer with Fields, who was also acquired this offseason in a trade with the Chicago Bears.

Wilson was the more experienced and decorated option. The nine-time Pro Bowler and one-time Super Bowl winner was one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL during his 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks.

Since then, he hasn't seemed to be the same player, even though coach Mike Tomlin suggested Wilson had the best chance of becoming a starting player.

“We're not resistant to competition, but as I've mentioned several times recently, I just think it's appropriate to establish a position … and I've used the term that Russell has the pole position,” Tomlin told reporters in March. “And why do I use that term? Because I just think it's beneficial during this time when we're not officially operating. His experience in the National Football League, his process has been refined and perfected.”

However, due to the injury, Fields will be in the starting lineup.

Fields was one of the NFL's most dynamic players when he lay down and ran, and provided many highlights in his three seasons with the Bears. He struggled to read defenses quickly and make decisions, often taking too many sacks by holding onto the ball and extending the play rather than striking immediately.

Pittsburgh hoped a fresh start could solve some of those problems, and he'll have the chance to do that on the field since Wilson will be sidelined for the start of the new season.