Pittsburgh Review

Russell Wilson is set to return to full practice with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the first time since September 4. Head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Wilson, who aggravated a calf injury during training camp, will participate fully in practice this week as the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tomlin expressed caution regarding Wilson's availability for Sunday's game, stating, "We're in a little bit different place with Russ this week than we have been in recent weeks." He added that they would assess how Wilson's injury responds to increased activity before making any decisions about his role against the Raiders.

Wilson was named the starting quarterback before the season opener but has been sidelined since aggravating his injury on September 8. In his absence, Justin Fields has led the team to a 3-2 start. Tomlin is not ready to name a starter for the rest of the season until he evaluates Wilson's performance and recovery.

Fields will continue taking starter reps in practice while Wilson replaces Kyle Allen for second-team snaps. "Until Russ gets to a point where we're comfortable with what we're looking at... I just think that's a hypothetical conversation," Tomlin said.

The Steelers revamped their quarterback lineup this offseason by acquiring all three quarterbacks: Wilson through free agency and Fields via trade from Chicago. Allen joined later during free agency.

Other injuries affecting the Steelers include outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who missed his second consecutive game due to a groin injury. His replacement Nick Herbig and backup DeMarvin Leal also sustained injuries during their last game against Dallas Cowboys and are ruled out for next Sunday’s match.

Running back Cordarrelle Patterson will miss another game due to an ankle issue, while other players like Jaylen Warren, Damontae Kazee, and MyCole Pruitt are doubtful due to various injuries.

Wide receiver George Pickens played fewer snaps against Dallas despite leading targets; Tomlin attributed it to load management strategies across positions over a long season. However, Pickens faced criticism after an altercation with Cowboys' Joudan Lewis during their final play which was addressed privately by Tomlin emphasizing growth both as player and individual.