ATLANTA — Russell Wilson’s first game as the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers will be delayed. Justin Fields is stepping in.

The Steelers have confirmed that Wilson will not play in the opener against the Atlanta Falcons, as he has been listed as the third emergency quarterback due to an aggravated calf injury sustained during Thursday’s practice.

Fields, who competed with Wilson during training camp, is now taking over the starting role while Wilson focuses on recovery. Although Wilson participated in pregame warmups and likely wished to be fit to play, the decision ultimately rested with the Steelers’ medical staff and head coach Mike Tomlin.

Here’s what you need to know about Wilson, Fields, and the Steelers as they prepare for today’s game:

Update on Russell Wilson: QB out for Falcons matchup

Wilson was seen throwing passes roughly two hours before the game.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that while Wilson expressed a desire to play, the medical team recommended taking a more conservative approach.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated on Friday, after Wilson had limited participation in practice for the second consecutive day, that Fields was becoming the apparent choice for the starting position.

“I’ll play if I’m able and will do everything within my power to help us succeed. That’s my mindset,” Wilson shared with reporters on Friday. “If I can’t, I’ll still do my best to assist the team in other ways.”

Is it Justin Fields’ moment to shine?

As a native of Georgia, Fields could bring an exciting new dynamic to the Steelers’ offense.

Acquired in a trade with the Chicago Bears in March, Fields has started 38 games between 2021 and 2023. Even though he didn’t secure the starting spot, he was expected to play a key role in the offense as a backup, even in the season opener.

“My friend (Falcons head coach) Raheem Morris better be prepared for a plan involving Justin Fields,” Tomlin remarked on “The Rich Eisen Show” in August after announcing Fields’ potential involvement. “There’s too much talent to be sitting on the sidelines.”

At just 25, Fields could offer a more energetic approach compared to the 35-year-old Wilson, especially after becoming only the third quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season in 2022. However, he struggles with turnovers, as Tomlin noted preseason fumbles “negated a lot of the good things” Fields exhibited during August.