FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — The Atlanta Falcons prepared for both Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks, and it's a good thing they did.
Russell Wilson had a workout Saturday and was on the field Sunday before warm-ups throwing to receivers in the end zone. However, early Sunday morning reports began to surface on Twitter that he was unlikely to play. Those reports turned to fact when the Steelers officially included quarterback Russell Wilson in their inactives list for Week 1 against the Falcons.
Wilson has been dealing with tightness in a calf he injured during training camp.
The Steelers gave Wilson a questionable game designation on Friday. He was limited in Thursday's practice but a full participant Wednesday.
None of the reports, though, have rattled the Falcons. Including one released Saturday.
"We are definitely ready for all scenarios," Falcons defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake said Thursday. "That's what our job is. Two quarterbacks that have won in this league. One that's played for a lot longer and has won the Super Bowl. They both have positive attributes that we have to be ready for."
Wilson and Fields joined the Steelers in March. Wilson did so a day earlier than Fields, signing a one-year deal. Fields was a trade acquisition from the Chicago Bears, coming with one year left on his contract. Basically, both are fighting for a future beyond 2024.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin officially named Wilson as the team's starting quarterback last week, but he still warned Falcons head coach Raheem Morris about Fields.
"I think whoever's playing quarterback is going to present that challenge," Morris said Wednesday. "Mike told me to prepare for Justin Fields, so we did. Russell's going to be able to go out there and present the challenge he's always presented to teams, with I'm sure the obnoxious amount of preparation he's put into the game plan in order to go out there and what he's got to get done. But there are roles that guys have got to play, so expect the expected. That's what we'll do."
Wilson has more experience under his belt with 12 years compared to Fields' three. Wilson has nine Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls, too. He is a former third-round draft pick, whereas Fields was a first-rounder. Fields, though, is considered one the biggest scrambling threats in the NFL.
Official word came from the Steelers 90 minutes before Sunday's kickoff, when inactives must be announced.
"I am sure we will see on Sunday," Morris said about the Steelers' quarterback situation Friday. "Russ is pretty resilient when it comes to those things. He's been that way throughout his career. Like I've said, we've prepared for all of their stuff and all the avenues. We'll be ready for how it goes."
