After sitting out in Week 1 with a calf injury, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson has an uncertain status for Sunday’s showdown with the Denver Broncos.
Justin Fields filled in for Wilson in Week 1 and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he was preparing as if Fields will start again in Week 2. Tomlin did not rule out the possibility of Wilson being cleared in time for Sunday, however, and the QB was limited at Wednesday’s practice.
The Broncos, meanwhile, are preparing for both quarterbacks.
“I think you look at Fields last week, and then obviously you prepare for both,” Denver coach Sean Payton said Wednesday. “Both guys have different strengths. You have a plan for both, but certainly it starts with Fields.”
Payton was then asked if having coached Wilson last year gives him an edge anticipating how Pittsburgh could potentially use the veteran QB.
“No,” Payton said. “I don’t think so. I mean that. I think every time you have a new system and a new coordinator, I don’t think there’s really much to that.”
Payton also noted that Fields played “exceptionally” well in Week 1.
Has the team talked about Wilson returning to Denver?
“No,” Payton said. “We’re not playing tennis or golf. We’re playing a team game, and we’re focused on the Steelers. They’re a good football team.”
The Broncos’ game against the Steelers will be regionally televised on CBS. Denver is considered a betting underdog despite playing at home.
