Russell Wilson still isn’t taking a full workload of practice reps. But he’s inching closer to it. Tuesday’s Pittsburgh Steelers training-camp practice was Wilson’s busiest yet in regards to his participation.
Wilson took part in the fully-padded and tackling-permitted practice and for the first time threw passes during 11-on-11 drills. The 35-year-old veteran quarterback has gradually ramped up his practice time at Saint Vincent College since he suffered a calf injury during the conditioning test on reporting day July 24.
“It was about just not taking steps backwards as we move forward,” coach Mike Tomlin said of Wilson being held out so far.
Russell Wilson, a thorough participant in warmups and in full padded uniform
Is today his Steelers full-participant camp debut? pic.twitter.com/vOQW0KRGrQ
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 6, 2024
Tuesday was the 11th practice of camp. The 35-year-old Wilson sat out any group drills entirely for the first practice July 25 and did not take part in any team drills for a few days thereafter. He eventually ascended to doing all football, agility and throwing drills — even to receivers. By the end of last week Wilson regularly was in 7-on-7 play, while his participation in 11-on-11 was limited to handoffs only until he finally threw a pass Sunday.
On Tuesday, Wilson was at quarterback for the first snap of the first team drill of practice — the “Seven shots” 2-point conversion simulation. But Justin Fields rotated in with the first-team offense, and that continued throughout much of the day in team periods.
“He did a great job in there,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said of Wilson. “Whatever he’s doing, he’s got to be healthy for the season. He has been great. I’m getting on same page with him, watching extra film with him, getting reps after practice (and) before practice until he’s fully back and we get all those 11-on-11 reps.”
Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowl honoree among his 12 prior NFL seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos. Tomlin has given no indication that he is seriously considering promoting Fields ahead of a fully healthy Wilson.
The Steelers open their preseason schedule Friday at home against the Houston Texans. Wilson almost assuredly would not have played in that game regardless of injury.
