Pittsburgh Review

LATROBE, Pa. – Russell Wilson has established himself as the top quarterback on the Steelers' roster by the end of their training camp at Saint Vincent College. The team will have a joint practice with Buffalo at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium before continuing their preparation for the regular season opener on Sept. 8.

Coach Mike Tomlin expressed appreciation for their time in Latrobe, saying, "Bittersweet, man. Our last day here in Latrobe... They just really do a good job. They bend over backwards (for us), and we are very appreciative."

For their final practice, Tomlin led the team through a padless workout in anticipation of Thursday's joint practice and Saturday's preseason game against Buffalo at Acrisure Stadium.

"We had good work out here today," said Tomlin. "I liked the energy and enthusiasm... We just try to make a point of finishing everything that we do with an exclamation point."

Wilson injured his calf during conditioning tests on July 24, prompting Tomlin to ease him back into action slowly. However, Wilson has shown significant progress since then.

"He had a really good day today," noted Tomlin about Wilson’s performance. "It's been arrow pointed up the whole time."

During Wednesday's practice, Wilson excelled in the first competitive period called 7-Shots by converting three out of four snaps into touchdowns with passes to George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin III.

Tomlin reflected on his developing relationship with Wilson: "We've known each other from a distance... But it's just the beginning to be quite honest with you."

NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS

• Throughout practice, Wilson continued making impressive throws to multiple receivers including Calvin Austin III, George Pickens, Darnell Washington, and Quez Watkins.

• During a drill titled "1-on-1 red zone," LB Laquay Washington drew praise from Tomlin for his solid performance but was later bested by QB Kyle Allen.

• Kyron Johnson has demonstrated notable speed as a pass-rusher from the left outside linebacker position.

TOMLIN'S INJURY UPDATE

"A few bumps and bruises along the way. CB Grayland Arnold had a calf [injury], wasn't able to finish. RB Jonathan Ward had a hamstring [injury], wasn't able to finish... We'll evaluate those guys."

Tomlin emphasized urgency as they return to Pittsburgh: "Got a hardcore practice against Buffalo; I'm excited about that."