Russell Wilson slogged through a rusty preseason debut as the Bills topped the Steelers. The 35-year-old quarterback, hampered by a calf injury during training camp, managed to complete 8 of 10 passes for a total of 47 yards. However, he faced challenges, taking three sacks across five series that did not yield any points.
Justin Fields, on the other hand, had a slightly better outing, finishing 11 of 17 for 92 yards. He also showcased his running ability, leading the team with 42 rushing yards. This versatility was a significant factor in the Steelers’ decision to trade for him in March. However, Fields faced setbacks, including a fourth-down run that resulted in a loss, halting a potential scoring opportunity.
Buffalo’s head coach, Sean McDermott, opted to keep his franchise quarterback off the field due to a pregame thunderstorm that made the playing surface slick, prompting two evacuations of the stands.
Mitch Trubisky took the starting role, completing 9 of 13 passes for 86 yards amid boos from fans in the stadium where he played for the last two seasons. The Bills’ running game was effective, racking up 169 yards against a Steelers defense missing star linebacker T.J. Watt, who was rested for the night.
Josh Allen is expected to be ready for the AFC East champions’ home opener against Arizona on September 8.
The Steelers are optimistic about Wilson’s prospects, as Coach Mike Tomlin has indicated he remains the frontrunner for the starting position when Pittsburgh faces Atlanta in Week 1. Despite a lackluster performance in a new offensive scheme, Wilson has ample time to refine his skills before the regular season begins.
Wilson’s longest completion was a modest 12 yards, a short pass to running back Jaylen Warren, who did the heavy lifting on the play. The anticipated downfield passing game that prompted the Steelers to acquire the nine-time Pro Bowler was largely absent, although wide receiver George Pickens nearly made an impressive catch along the sideline in the second quarter.
The drive ended with Chris Boswell’s 52-yard field goal attempt striking the upright, marking the closest the Steelers came to scoring while Wilson was in the game.
INJURIES
For the Bills, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling left the game in the first half due to a neck injury. Trubisky (knee), tight end Quintin Morris (shoulder), and defensive tackle Austin Johnson (calf) also exited early.
The Steelers faced their own injury concerns, with running back Jaylen Warren tweaking his hamstring and not returning. Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson left the game in the second half due to a concussion.
UP NEXT
The Bills will host the Carolina Panthers next Saturday, while the Steelers will travel to Detroit for their next matchup.
