The Pittsburgh Steelers have been missing their anticipated starting quarterback for the first four days of training camp due to a calf injury sustained by Russell Wilson on his first day.
Initially, the cause of Wilson’s injury was unclear, but he later revealed to the media that it occurred while he was pushing a sled during the team’s conditioning test last Wednesday. “We were doing a sled-push drill and I tweaked it a little,” Wilson explained, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “It happened during the fourth or fifth sled push. I’m fine. There’s no need for concern.”
Fortunately, Wilson is recovering well and making progress toward returning to practice. However, the incident has raised questions about its avoidability.
Mark Madden of TribLive.com recently addressed these concerns, questioning the necessity of having a 35-year-old quarterback push a blocking sled. Madden even suggested that the decision could be grounds for dismissal of the Steelers’ new strength and conditioning coach, Phil Matusz. “What’s gained by making a 35-year-old QB push a blocking sled? How much blocking will Wilson have to do?” Madden wrote, later adding, “Making Wilson push a blocking sled is sheer foolishness on the part of Matusz. It’s reasonable to say Matusz should be fired for such poor judgment.”
Madden’s critique reflects broader concerns from both the media and fans about the decision. While there is no call for anyone’s job at this point, Madden’s points highlight that there was little need for Wilson to engage in such drills, given his role does not involve blocking.
Wilson may have willingly participated, but it’s ultimately up to the coaches to ensure he avoids unnecessary risks.
According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are not overly worried about Wilson’s injury, and he is expected to return to practice this week. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Wilson is anticipated to participate in team drills on Tuesday, when the team will wear pads for the first time. So far, it seems the Steelers have avoided a more serious setback.
