Steelers give Russell Wilson a “small game ball” after beating the Broncos

When the 2024 schedule was released, many people took note of Pittsburgh's Week Two trip to Denver because it gave quarterback Russell Wilson a chance to face his former Broncos teammates.

Things played out differently, though. Wilson missed his second straight game with a calf injury and Justin Fields was at quarterback for a 13-6 victory that moved the Steelers to 2-0 on the season.

Wilson was just an observer back in Denver, on the minds of head coach Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers after his rough two years with the team and winning offseason release.

“I think we all know Russ Got kind of dirty last year,” Fields said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. “So I know he was hoping he could have played in this game today, but it's great for him to get the win. He got a small game ball.”

Wilson's injury has interfered with plans to start him this season, and it remains to be seen if he will return to that position. Fields' numbers didn't go unnoticed on Sunday and the Steelers failed to move the ball in the second half, but penalties played a role in those results and the Steelers won both of their games despite scoring a total of 31 points. Those wins, along with Wilson's health, are something the team will have to consider when contemplating changes at the offense's most important position.