The Steelers started their preparation for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers in the same fashion they did a week ago.
With quarterback Russell Wilson listed as limited on the practice report.
And it wasn't a surprise.
Coach Mike Tomlin indicated during his weekly press conference on Tuesday that Wilson wouldn't be a full participant as he works his way back from a calf injury, and that was the case.
"We're kind of in the same posture as we were in last week with Russ," said Tomlin. "We're readying a plan that features Justin and his readiness. We'll follow Russ throughout the week. If his participation gets to a level, participation and quality where we should consider him, we'll delve into that at that time. Obviously when that happens is a component of the consideration.
"So, we're readying ourselves around Justin. We'll stay in that mindset until something else happens. Hypotheticals is a waste of our time."
With the Steelers sitting at 2-0, Tomlin was asked if Fields has done enough to earn the starting job outright, but he repeated his message.
"I'm not talking hypotheticals," said Tomlin. "We have one of these two guys available to us as I stand here today. It's a waste of my time to speculate, hypotheticals and all of that.
"Justin has a game to get ready for this week. I'm not doing him any justice by talking hypothetical. I want him focused. I'm focused on the next task. Until Russell gets to a state of readiness where he's a consideration, I won't be speculating on any of that, in any way.
"My position regarding pecking order and the depth chart has not changed, guys, and it won't until the other guy gets healthy. I won't speculate. I don't know how many ways I can tell you that."
While the quarterback position is the headline-maker on the injury front, it isn't the only injury news.
Linebacker and special teams ace Tyler Matakevich suffered a hamstring injury against the Broncos and has been placed on the Reserve/Injured List. Matakevich returned to the Steelers right before training game after spending the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. Matakevich was selected by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft, spending his first four seasons in Pittsburgh.
He isn't the only one who landed on the Reserve/Injured List.
Receiver Ben Skowronek, who was elevated from the practice squad for the Falcons and Broncos games, was also placed on IR. He was originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 249th overall pick. He appeared in 45 games for the Rams, starting 12, while pulling in 58 receptions for 575 yards. He was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason.
Tight end MyCole Pruitt, who was signed this offseason as a free agent, is also dealing with a knee injury, with his status uncertain as of Tomlin speaking in his weekly presser. He didn't practice on Wednesday. The Steelers did promote tight end Rodney Williams from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Wednesday.
"As always, we include guys as they're capable of participating in preparation," said Tomlin. "For new and young guys, the sooner that happens, the more consideration they're under.
"For older guys, we'll give them some latitude as a general practice. We'll see what the week holds for some of those guys in terms of some of their roles."
Rookie receiver Roman Wilson, who was limited today, is still working his way back from an ankle injury that he suffered in training camp that kept him from seeing any playing time yet. Tomlin said he is making progress and expects him to work more this week.
"We'll see where that leads, whether it leads to participation, how much participation," said Tomlin. "I was pleased with his progress last week. I'm excited to see where it leads us this week."
Another player working his way back is guard Isaac Seumalo. He suffered a pectoral injury in practice before the start of the season and missed the first two games.
"Isaac might be closer to a return," said Tomlin. "We won't speculate. We'll just simply continue to ready the guys that are available until we get an understanding that he is available.
"That's oftentimes dictated by the level of participation and the quality of that participation in practice. We'll see what the week holds in terms of him. But he is getting close. It's good to follow his participation during the course of the week."
For the Chargers, quarterback Justin Herbert didn't practice on Wednesday, dealing with an ankle injury.
The full injury report is below.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Participation/Injury Report, Week 3
Wednesday, September 18
No. 3 QB Russell Wilson (Calf) - Limited
No. 10 WR Roman Wilson (Ankle) - Limited
No. 22 RB Najee Harris (NIR - Rest) - DNP
No. 73 G Isaac Seumalo (Pectoral) - DNP
No. 81 TE MyCole Pruitt (Knee) - DNP
No. 90 LB T.J. Watt (NIR - Rest) - Limited
No. 99 DL Larry Ogunjobi (NIR - Rest) - Limited
Los Angeles Chargers Participation/Injury Report, Week 3
Wednesday, September 18
No. 97 OLB Joey Bosa (Hip) - Limited
No. 25 LB Junior Colson (Hamstring) - DNP
No. 48 OLB Bud Dupree (Illness) - DNP
No. 32 S Alohi Gilman (Knee) - Limited
No. 10 QB Justin Herbert (Ankle) - DNP
No. 88 TE Hayden Hurst (Ankle) - Limited
No. 52 OLB Khalil Mack (NIR - Rest) - Limited
No. 5 WR Josh Palmer (Elbow/Calf) - DNP
No. 36 DB Ja'Sir Taylor (Fibula) - DNP
