For the first time since Russell Wilson aggravated his calf injury prior to his regular-season debut, the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback will return to full practice.
Wilson will be a “scheduled full participant” on Wednesday ahead of the Steelers’ game at the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday afternoon.
He will receive snaps from the second team, at least initially, “so as not to disrupt Justin’s preparation,” Tomlin said.
“Then we’ll see where all this takes us as we get through the week,” Tomlin said. “First we’ll see if he’s able to get it done clearly and get through the session, and if he does, how the quality of that works, his ability to protect himself,” Tomlin said.
Fields has led the Steelers to a 3-2 start in Wilson’s absence, completing 67.6% of his attempts (92 of 136) for five touchdowns and one interception, in addition to a 97.1 passer rating.
Fields has also rushed for 172 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per carry, but he has fumbled five times.
Tomlin has declined to officially name Fields the starter in Wilson’s absence, giving Fields an opportunity but leaving the official depth chart vague.
