Russell Wilson tells Pittsburgh Steelers he can play against Falcons

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers are awaiting a final decision on quarterback Russell Wilson, who is considered questionable because of a calf injury. For now, the veteran seems unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, but he is pushing to be on the field.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Wilson tells the Steelers he feels fine and would like to be on the field with his team for the season opener. However, the Steelers will listen to their team doctors, who will continue to evaluate Wilson throughout the morning and make a final decision before the game begins.

With only two limited practices this week and Wilson's recurring injury, it's unlikely he'll get the green light. The Steelers were cautious during training camp and kept him off the field for most of the summer, and they'll likely take the same approach here this time in the regular season.

The injury originally occurred during conditioning exercises before training camp when Wilson was pushing a block sled.

Instead, they will rely on Justin Fields against Atlanta. The former Chicago Bear hasn't done enough this summer to earn a starting spot, but head coach Mike Tomlin said how impressed he was with the young quarterback and that the competition was much closer than expected.

Fields is 10-28 as an NFL starter, but is looking to revive his career with a new team, and his first opportunity will likely come in Week 1 against the Falcons in his home state of Georgia.

The Steelers will announce the inactive players around 11:30 a.m. ET, which is also when Wilson's final status will be announced and the quarterback decision will be made.

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