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Following his first two full practices since early September, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Russell Wilson is closer to making his season debut as a backup rather than the emergency quarterback.

Justin Fields, who became the starter when Wilson strained his calf in a Sept. 5 practice, remains QB1 for the Steelers (3-2) going into their Sunday road game against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3).

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, pledges to be ready whenever the time comes to see his first regular-season action since signing with the Steelers as a free agent in March. He practiced fully on Wednesday and Thursday, but his status for Sunday had not been determined.

“I’ve played a lot of football games, have been in a lot of moments,” Wilson, 35, said on Thursday. “I don’t fear them. Getting ready to go and rock and roll.

“I feel confident that I’ll be ready to play … and play at a high level. I think we’re being really smart, too, and trying to understand exactly how I feel.”

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that Wilson is healthy enough to practice without restrictions. How well the veteran QB practices and his ability to protect himself will determine what the Steelers do from here. Wilson was inactive for the first five games.

Wilson was named the starter following the final preseason game in August but was limited in practice before the Week 1 opener at Atlanta. His status did not change from there, with Fields leading the Steelers to three wins to open the season before the team dropped its past two games.

Fields, 25, has completed a career-high 67.6 percent of his passes for 961 yards with five touchdowns and one interception in five starts. He also has rushed for 172 yards and three scores.

Wilson last started a game on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos benched him for the final two 2023 regular-season games in a contract dispute that led to the former Super Bowl winner being released.

“For me, I’m preparing my mind to get ready to go,” Wilson said. “That’s my mentality and help us win, whatever that is. I’m just getting prepared for Friday.

“It’s not like I haven’t been out there. I’ve gotten a lot of reps over this time. I have a lot of confidence with our guys and who we are.”

–Field Level Media