Russell Wilson of the Steelers can only train to a limited extent due to calf problems

PITTSBURGH – Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was limited in his practice Thursday after reporting a calf strain he injured during training camp.

Coach Mike Tomlin declined to say when Wilson, 35, informed coaches of the tense situation, but added that the quarterback was being further investigated out of an abundance of caution.

“His calf was tight, so we wanted to be cautious,” Tomlin said. “We'll see what it looks like tomorrow and then we'll see.”

Wilson was originally scheduled to speak to the media on Thursday afternoon, but due to a calf injury he postponed his appointment until Friday.

Wilson first injured his calf while pushing a sled during the team's conditioning test the night before training camp, and didn't throw a single pass in a team hour for 10 practices after the injury. Wilson slowly returned to full practice toward the end of training camp, but missed the first preseason game and played in just six series in the final two. After playing five series in the second preseason game, Wilson said he felt “great” and “strong,” adding that his calf injury was not a factor.

When asked about the long-term effects of Wilson's apparent renewed calf strain on Thursday, Tomlin simply replied, “None,” and downplayed the importance of the injury on the team's schedule for Sunday's season-opening game against the Falcons.

“This is really not [affect game-planning] to be honest, not at all,” he said.

If Wilson is unable to go, Justin Fields, whom Wilson beat out for the starting job, would start in his place. Tomlin expressed his confidence in the Bears' 2021 first-round pick.

“If that’s the case, I definitely feel very comfortable,” Tomlin said.

With Wilson's injury in training camp, Fields has gained additional experience working with the first team on offense, which could benefit him if he has to step in for Wilson.

“I don't know the specifics or what's going on, but Russ is obviously a big competitor,” wide receiver Van Jefferson said. “He wants to be out there. If Justin needs to go out there, he's more than willing to do that.”

“But at the end of the day, we just go out there and play. Whoever goes out there has to do their job. So both quarterbacks are capable of doing that on Sunday and we'll just go with whoever's out there.”