Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson intends to take the field on Saturday for the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, he confirmed on Wednesday.
“We’re playing,” Wilson said. “Yeah, all of us are playing. I’m excited to get back out there. It felt great to be on the field last week, getting back into the pads. Although we didn’t get the win, I believe the main focus for us is to execute, make our plays, and do our thing.”
Wilson, 35, participated in five drives against the Buffalo Bills during the team’s second preseason game. However, the Steelers failed to score, often finding themselves in tough situations.
Due to his shortened training camp, impacted by a calf injury, and the team’s struggles to stay on schedule, Wilson is eager for another chance to get game time before the Steelers’ Week 1 matchup in Atlanta.
“The most crucial thing for us is to play efficiently, move the ball down the field,” Wilson said. “We definitely want to celebrate in the end zone—that’s always fun. It’s essential to make that happen because that’s the level of football we’re aiming for.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned on Tuesday that he would reveal how playing time would be distributed for the third preseason game during his pregame press conference on Thursday.
Originally, Wilson was only supposed to play “two or three” series against the Bills, but on Wednesday, he revealed that he persuaded offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to let him continue after the Steelers went three-and-out on their first two possessions. Wilson’s offense managed to pick up their first first down on the third drive, but overall, they converted just one of six third-down attempts.
“The first series went by quickly, so we thought, ‘Let’s get more plays in,’” Wilson explained. “We knew we weren’t going to win the game in the first quarter, but it was about getting more snaps. I had been sidelined with my calf injury, so it was my first time back in pads and on the field. I wanted to maximize my time out there and compete with my teammates at the highest level.”
Smith was careful with Wilson’s time on the field, avoiding play calls that could risk worsening his calf injury.
“He wanted to play,” Smith noted. “I’d never put a player out there who wasn’t medically cleared, but he hasn’t had many reps. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the league, whether you’re in a new system or a new city, the best players want to get out there and sharpen up for the season. He’s missed a significant portion of camp.
“You also have to protect him from himself. There are things schematically that you want to avoid putting him through. There’s always risk when you step on the field, but we managed that. I give him credit for pushing to be out there—that’s what this game is all about.”
Despite the calf injury hampering his training camp, Wilson said after Saturday’s game that it didn’t bother him during his time on the field.
“I felt great out there,” Wilson said. “Honestly, I felt strong. I wasn’t thinking about it. With any injury, sometimes you might worry about it being in the back of your mind. But I haven’t felt that way this past week or so.”
While Wilson is set to play Saturday, two key offensive players, rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (knee sprain) and rookie receiver Roman Wilson (ankle sprain), won’t be available.
“It’s tough not being able to play in the preseason,” Roman Wilson said, who sprained his ankle nearly three weeks ago. “I was really looking forward to it, but getting back as soon as possible is a blessing. It could have been worse, and I could have been out longer.”
Fautanu sustained his injury in the first preseason game but expressed confidence on Tuesday that he’ll be ready for the season opener, where he’s expected to start at right tackle.
“There’s nothing I can do but face the challenge and keep a positive mindset,” Fautanu said. “I can’t sit around wishing for more preseason time. My focus is on preparing myself mentally more than anything.”