Pittsburgh Review

LATROBE, Pa. – From a quarterback rotation standpoint, it was status quo. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields again split the reps with the first-team offense during Wednesday's training camp practice. Also in the status quo department, Wilson still throws a very nice ball.

Wilson has had to work himself back after injuring a calf during the conditioning test on the day players reported to Saint Vincent College, but it's clear that whatever happened to his calf has not adversely impacted his right arm. In 5 of his 12 NFL seasons, Wilson completed better than 65 percent of his passes, and he has shown a high level of accuracy and touch on his throws throughout his first training camp with the Steelers.

During 7-Shots, Wilson would've been assigned an incompletion for not connecting with WR Van Jefferson on the third play of the drill, but the throw was delivered on time and was accurate. It only was incomplete because Jefferson didn't get his head turned around quickly enough to see the ball.

During a different period later in the day's practice, however, Wilson and Jefferson hooked up on a beautiful play where the quarterback threw the receiver open, with the result being a perfectly placed ball that was caught in stride at the right pylon for a touchdown.

The day's practice ended with a session of 2-minute drills, with the offense getting the ball on its 40-yard line with 1:50 on the clock, one timeout remaining and needing to score a touchdown to win. No. 4 quarterback John Rhys Plumlee was given control of this drive which indicates he may see playing time at the end of a half in Friday's preseason opener.

Plumlee moved the offense 26 yards achieving two first downs before ending with four straight incomplete passes.

The Steelers again utilized their two special teams periods of practice to work on new kickoff rules. One period focused on kickoff return while another focused on kickoff coverage. WR Dez Fitzpatrick was notably present among offensive players during coverage drills. During return drills, blocking appeared set up to create creases over numbers rather than downfield or along sidelines.

The Steelers will have a walk-through workout Thursday as their final session before facing Houston at Acrisure Stadium at 7 p.m., Friday for their preseason opener.

"In terms of player availability," said Coach Tomlin regarding Friday’s game against Houston, "I have about seven guys that I'm scheduled not to utilize." He listed Isaac Seumalo from offensive line; Cam Heyward; T.J Watt; Alex Highsmith along defensive front among those sitting out due veteran status stating “They know what they're doing.” Additionally mentioned were Russell Wilson; Minkah Fitzpatrick; Patrick Queen citing minor injuries limiting participation noting “I’m hopeful everyone else will have opportunity participate.”