The Pittsburgh Steelers will start Justin Fields in their first game of the season against the Atlanta Falcons as the team waived Russell Wilson.

Wilson enters the game as the third emergency quarterback. He was bothered by a sore calf. It was the same calf he injured earlier in training camp, causing him to miss some time.

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August 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) looks at the scoreboard while sitting on the bench during the Steelers preseason game against the Detroit Lions in the third quarter at Ford Field. (Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports)

Both Fields and Wilson were acquired in the offseason. Wilson appeared to have the edge to become the starter after the Steelers signed him in free agency. The team also acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears, who were looking to draft Caleb Williams No. 1 overall.

“His athleticism is insane,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said, via the team’s website. “I’ve seen the highlights and stuff like that, but as an AFC coach, you don’t always get a chance to feel it or really pay attention to it.

“It’s really amazing to see what he can do on the football field.”

DOLPHINS’ TYREEK HILL DETAINED AHEAD OF JAGUARS GAME

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) gets ready to take the field against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an exhibition game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024. (Junfu Han/USA Today Network)

Fields was the 11th overall pick in the 2021 draft. He has thrown 6,674 passing yards, 40 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in 40 games for the Bears. Chicago was upset with Fields because his inconsistent play proved too much to be considered a long-term starter.

Wilson’s time with the Denver Broncos also came to an abrupt end. He was removed as the starting quarterback before the end of the season and was fired when the team couldn’t find a deal for him.

August 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) attempts a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. (Charles LeClaire-USA TOoday Sports)

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Pittsburgh made the playoffs last season on the strength of its poor defense, going 10-7 and losing in the AFC Wild Card round.

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