Even before the season kicked off, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost Russell Wilson to an injury. This development may further give life to an NFL analysis about the team’s performance this season.
The Steelers are facing a critical situation as Wilson deals with a calf injury ahead of their opening game against the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson experienced tightness during practice, leading to limited participation in the final days before the game. While he remains hopeful about playing, concerns linger about his availability, which could result in Justin Fields taking the starting role.
Despite the challenges posed by the injury, Wilson is working closely with the training staff to prepare himself for the season opener. He is focusing on maintaining his mental sharpness, even if his physical participation in drills is restricted. Wilson is adopting a cautious approach, understanding that he must be smart about his health given the long season ahead.
The Steelers have not officially ruled out Wilson yet, and the final decision will hinge on his performance during pregame warm-ups. If Wilson cannot suit up, Fields is ready to step in, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for any situation. He has learned from past experiences how quickly circumstances can change, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining a starter’s mentality.
Russell Wilson and Pittsburgh Steelers Receive Intriguing NFL Projection for 2025 Season
Unlike their previous campaign, the Steelers aren’t projected to do much better when it comes to wins. This can be seen in an NFL analysis done by Cynthia Frelund, which gave Pittsburgh a predicted record of 8.6 wins.
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Ceiling: 10.4
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Floor: 5.9
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FanDuel over/under: 8.5
In the NFL’s most stacked division, questions about the Steelers’ offensive line get magnified in the win projection. However, the offense gained +216 rushing yards over expected on designed runs in 2023 (sixth-most in the league, per NGS). The arrival of new offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, who has shown creative and effective run strategies, could help mitigate some of the O-line concerns.
As the team approaches kickoff, they must balance the urgency to secure a win with the need to manage Wilson’s injury effectively. The outcome of this decision will significantly impact the Steelers’ chances in their first game of the season.
With the situation evolving, both Wilson and the coaching staff are keenly aware of the stakes involved as they strive to put their best foot forward for the season ahead. If things go well, they may even surpass the projected record and put on a good show for their fans.
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