NEWS: Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson limited in Steelers practice ahead of Week 1

The situation surrounding Russell Wilson has become a little more unclear for the Pittsburgh Steelers since Week 1.

Just days after being named team captain and starting quarterback for the season, Wilson was held out of practice Thursday because of a calf strain.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also noted that Wilson reported the issue himself. The news is even more significant given Wilson’s recent history with a calf ailment, which was set to begin Steelers training camp on July 25.

Of course, the former Badger can’t directly control how his body reacts to on-field activity. But given the hype surrounding the team and the position, this latest calf issue could certainly become a much bigger story than it should be.

The self-assessment details also add a bit of spice to the situation. It appears Wilson was not forced off the field during one of Pittsburgh’s final practices before its Week 1 matchup with Atlanta, suggesting a modicum of caution or concern on the veteran’s part.

Wilson earned a spot in the starting lineup in late August, replacing former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, a dynamic player who excels on offense when he’s playing at full speed.

While his list of accomplishments includes a Super Bowl title in 2013 and nine Pro Bowls with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson’s last two seasons in Denver have seen a general decline. Wilson has led the Broncos to just 11-19 in the 2022-23 season.

This is a story to watch in the coming days. The Steelers are scheduled to release their final injury report on Friday.

This story originally appeared on Badgers Wire