Tomlin Says Russ Will Play in Next Preseason Game

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed in his post-game press conference on Friday night that quarterback Russell Wilson will play in the Steelers’ second preseason game next Saturday night against the Buffalo Bills.

Russell Wilson did not play in Friday night’s loss to the Houston Texans, but he was in uniform during pre-game warmups. Wilson said on Wednesday that he’s champing at the bit to play in the preseason.

“I always want to play,” he said. “Anytime you get the strap on the pads, it’s a blessing. Whether it’s preseason or if it’s regular season, obviously which matters a lot more, or in the postseason, which is even more important, just be out there with your teammates and everything else.

“The good thing is I get to take everything in and just learn and be in that stadium for the first time. I can’t wait. It’s going to be amazing to be in Acrisure Stadium wearing the black and gold.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson during practice on Aug 1, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Tomlin has long been a believer in the benefit of playing even his most important players in the preseason.

“You know, there’s a component of in-stadium play that you can’t anticipate,” he said. “Somebody always surprises you in a positive way. Somebody always surprises you in a negative way, and that’s just a component of it. I’m always open minded and excited about seeing who they are under those circumstances. And I’m, quite frankly, never surprised when someone runs their way onto this football team with their efforts in preseason.”

Tomlin also said that he’s not concerned by the fact that Wilson missed the first two weeks of training camp with a calf injury. Wilson had his first full practice with the first team on Wednesday. Wilson also feels like he’s ready to go.

“I feel great,” Wilson said. “Just to be fully in practice and involved and doing everything. I’ve been involved in doing all the drills and everything for the past seven, eight days, however many days it has been. But to be fully in there with the team drills, everything else, it feels great.”

Wilson played a total of 32 snaps in two preseason games with the Denver Broncos in 2022 and 2023.

“I’m prepared to play. It’s whatever coach (Mike Tomlin) decides,” Wilson said. “He’s the boss man. He gets to make the decisions on that, but I’ll be ready to go.”

Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.