LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Russell Wilson only did one handoff during 11-on-11 drills on Tuesday, but it was progress as the probable Steelers starting quarterback continues to work back from a calf injury suffered pushing a sled during run tests last Wednesday at St. Vincent College
During the first four days of unpadded practice, Wilson did not do one team drill but said he took mental reps as Justin Fields led the first team. Fields led it almost exclusively again on Tuesday although Wilson did a number of individual drills and a few seven-on-seven.
"I feel good," Wilson said. "I'm getting better every day. The training staff is doing a tremendous job, and we're working really hard every morning. It's just good to be back out here again with the guys, putting the helmet on and really getting to work today."
"Getting all the quarterback drills, the fundamental work, some of the handoffs, and just being there with the fellas is always the best part. So, it was a good day today, for sure."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has admitted he is slowing Wilson down to make sure the injury heals correctly. The 35-year-old said he's ok being limited with reps. He says he continues to watch every rep and help where he can. He said overall as an offense it was a good first day in pads.
Wilson was able to light up the crowd throwing about a 35-yard bomb to tight end Connor Heyward.
"Yeah, that was sweet," Wilson said. "Connor made a big-time play, explosive play down the field. He had a great reaction, was able to launch it down the field to him. He called it a 'moon ball.' He came up to me and said, 'Thanks for throwing me that moon ball!'"
When might fans see him go full?
"I don't really go into medical details," Wilson said. "I know you guys all want to know, but I've never really gone into great detail with that. I think the biggest thing is just listening to the trainers and following what they have for me. Whatever they have extra that I can do, I'm doing it if I can do it on the field. They know that, and they're just trying to make sure I'm as smart as possible and not doing anything that's going to make it worse."
