Steelers QB Russell Wilson 'hoping' to play in opener vs. Falcons

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson remains hopeful that he'll be under center for Sunday's season opener against the host Atlanta Falcons.

Wilson has been limited in practice as he deals with tightness in his calf.

"Just felt a little tight. Wanted to be smart about it," Wilson said on Friday about limiting himself in practice, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "Obviously, for the game on Sunday, hoping I get to be in it. Trying to get ready to go. ... Doing everything we can."

Wilson acknowledged he didn't tax himself too much in Friday's session.

Fourth-year quarterback Justin Fields would get the nod if Wilson is unable to play against the Falcons.

When asked if he is preparing as if he will start on Sunday, Fields said, "I have the same process every week because I learned my rookie year how fast things can change. I remember my ... rookie season, Andy Dalton, he was just running out of bounds. It looked like a normal play but he tweaked his knee. Right then and there I was in (the game). I always prepare like I'm the starter."

Wilson, 35, was named to the Pro Bowl in nine of his 10 seasons (2012-21) with the Seattle Seahawks. Traded to the Denver Broncos before the 2022 season in a blockbuster deal, Wilson went 11-19 as a starter with Denver and was released earlier this year.

In 188 career starts, Wilson has posted a 115-72-1 record. He's thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns to go with 106 interceptions and has engineered 39 game-winning drives.

He has also rushed for 5,307 yards and added 29 touchdowns.

Fields was the No. 11 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bears, but Chicago decided to move on from the 25-year-old after three seasons.

He has a 10-28 record in 40 games (38 starts) and has thrown for 6,674 yards with 40 TDs and 30 interceptions. He has rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 scores.

--Field Level Media