Russell Wilson (calf) returns to Steelers practice with limited participation

After being limited by a calf issue, Russell Wilson returned to the practice field Tuesday.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, however, is intent on taking things slowly with Wilson in an effort to keep him moving forward.

“Russ getting back to action today. We had him in the helmet,” Tomlin said after Tuesday’s session. “He played some 7-on(-7). He got a little 11-on-11 work, not a lot. We’ll keep progressing with that throughout the week and moving forward, obviously with the mindset of no steps backward as we do so.”

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Those at Steelers camp were closely monitoring Wilson’s reps and order in the quarterback rotation, which primarily featured Wilson throwing and not running around all that much. It’s all in the name of caution, folks, but don’t be surprised if this continues to be a notable storyline, given Wilson’s lengthy history of eagerly proving he’s a hard worker.

It was already on the brains of assembled media members so much that Tomlin had to remind them he — not Wilson — is in charge of practice reps.

“We’ll play it day to day and play it by ear and do what’s appropriate on a day-to-day basis,” Tomlin said. “I’m slowing down the progress, and I think I’ve been pretty clear with you guys about that.”

Still, it was good for Steelers fans to see Wilson out on the field, especially in a training camp in which he and his teammates will need as much time as possible to build a rapport. He’ll also need to fend off Justin Fields, who put on the pads and simply continued to work Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly, Tomlin bristled at the suggestion he might be more impressed by Fields in pads versus a jersey and shorts, but did commend the quarterback.

“I don’t know that attire created any new learning from a quarterback perspective in terms of evaluating him,” Tomlin said of Fields. “He’s been doing a really good job and continued today.”

Steelers fans know they’re not going to get much out of Tomlin at a camp press conference, especially when it concerns the sport’s most important position. That doesn’t mean it won’t continue to be a daily topic. After all, Pittsburgh’s 2024 season — and plans for the future — are riding on it.