UPDATED ON SATURDAY: Tackle Troy Fautanu has been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Chargers with a knee injury. He was listed as questionable.
The Steelers head into Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers with Justin Fields looking ready to start at quarterback for the third straight week.
Fields said he is excited to come out of the tunnel for his first regular season home game at Acrisure Stadium as he looks to put another ‘W’ in the win column.
“It’s going to be fun,” said Fields. “Looking forward to this weekend playing the Chargers. It’s going to be a good matchup. Great team over there. So, I’m excited for it.”
While Fields is set to play, fellow quarterback Russell Wilson was upbeat talking about his progress, seeing improvement in himself as time passes, even though he is questionable for Sunday.
“I’m definitely gaining ground,” said Wilson. “I feel good. I was able to do more work today, yesterday, so getting better every day.
“We’re just trying to be smart. I’m listening to the doctors, and we’re all working together just to make sure that I’m ready to go fully and can get back out there soon.”
Wilson said the key for him is to follow the path the doctors and athletic trainers have for him and to continue to do whatever work he is able to do.
“I’m doing everything I can, physically every day, every morning, every night just to make sure that I can be ready to go, and we’ll know when I’m ready, and I’m getting close,” said Wilson. “We have a whole plan. We’re following the plan. I don’t want to get into details of the plan, but we’re following that.”
Right tackle Troy Fautanu was added to the injury report on Friday, listed as limited with a knee injury. He is questionable for Sunday. ** Fautanu was downgraded to OUT on Saturday.
After practice Broderick Jones said if needed, he will be available.
“I’ll be all right. I have been here before,” said Jones. “I just have to get out there and do it if my name is called.”
Tight end MyCole Pruitt was held out of practice for the third straight day with a knee injury. With Pruitt dealing with the knee injury, and ruled out this week, the Steelers elevated tight end Rodney Williams from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
And Williams is hoping his number is called on Sunday.
“You always have to be extremely prepared,” said Williams. “You have to always be prepared because you never know. Guys might get sick on the day of the game, and they call you up. Just taking every mental rep I can and making sure if my number is called, I’m ready.”
While Williams doesn’t wish injury on anybody, he is also hoping he gets an opportunity.
“It’s a chance for me to prove myself and continue to prove that I belong in this league and make a name for myself,” said Williams.
Williams said the preseason has been helpful for him the last few years, providing him the opportunity to get involved in the passing game.
“The preseason helps a lot, especially for guys like me,” said Williams. “In my role, it’s where we get the most reps, get the ball the most. I take those preseason games very seriously because they kind of help me prepare for this moment here.”
The full injury report is below.