The Pittsburgh Steelers’ complete debut for Russell Wilson will have to wait another week, according to Dana Russini of The Athletic.

Wilson’s nagging calf issue is anticipated to keep him out of Pittsburgh’s Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Russini on Saturday. Justin Fields can now take the offensive lead as a result.

Wilson’s calf issues, according to some, only accelerated what was bound to happen.

After signing the nine-time Pro Bowler to a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum, Pittsburgh doesn’t have much invested in him. The last several seasons have seen a steady decline in his game as well, and there is little reason to believe that this trend will reverse in 2024.

Fields has some potential, at least theoretically. In 2023, the 25-year-old quarterback of the Chicago Bears completed 61.4 percent of his throws for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

The Bears threw their support behind Caleb Williams throughout the offseason for a reason. According to ESPN.com, Fields placed 23rd in QBR the previous season and has caused enough problems to cast doubt on his ability to start for the foreseeable future.

If he manages to put together a strong campaign with Pittsburgh, that perception will shift.

Wilson was anointed the team’s starter by head coach Mike Tomlin in August, but because of calf problems, the team had to get ready for Fields to step in. That will make the necessary QB replacement easier.

Another possibility mentioned by Russini was that Fields “doesn’t relinquish the job even after Wilson is deemed healthy enough to return.”

It looks like the 2021 first-round selection will do his first audition on Sunday.