Mike Tomlin Addresses Steelers' Week 2 QB Decision

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hasn't ruled out quarterback Russell Wilson , but is "preparing as if" Justin Fields is going to be the team's starter in its Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos on Sunday (September 15).

"I just visited with him," Tomlin said of Wilson via NFL Network 's Tom Pelissero . "He feels better today than he did over the weekend. What that means, I don't know as we sit here today. I know that we're going to take the same approach that we take with a lot of people in terms of injury. We'll first start with his participation and his level of participation, his quality of participation. Over the course of the week, we'll be analyzing whether he's capable of protecting himself, whether he's capable of being productive. When we get to those points, that's when we'll ponder his inclusion or not, and when that happens will probably be a component of that equation.

"But as I sit here today, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time. Russell's hurt. He's not available to us. So, as you guys know as a general practice, I focus my energy on those that are available and their readiness."

Wilson, 35, who signed with the Steelers as a free agent and was named as the team's starter prior to the season, was ruled out of the team's Week 1 win against the Atlanta Falcons shortly before kickoff Sunday (September 8). Fields, 25, who was acquired by Pittsburgh in a trade with the Chicago Bears shortly after Wilson's signing, threw for 156 yards on 17 of 23 passing, while also recording 57 yards on 14 rushing attempts.

The Steelers will host the Broncos, Wilson's former team, in their home opener at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday afternoon.