Quarterback Justin Fields will start for the third consecutive time today in the Steelers’ home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.

While Fields will play, fellow quarterback Russell Wilson will be the third quarterback today as he is still dealing with a calf injury that has hampered him since the start of training camp.

Wilson spoke optimistically about his progress, noting that his personality is improving over time.

“I’m definitely making progress,” Wilson said. “I feel good. I’ve been able to work harder and I’m getting better every day.”

“We’re just trying to be smart. I’m listening to the doctors and we’re all working together to make sure I’m fully fit and able to get back on the field soon.”

Wilson said the key is for him to follow the path that doctors and athletic trainers have laid out for him and continue to do whatever work he can.

“I’m doing everything I can physically every day, every morning, every night, just to make sure I’m ready. We’ll know when I’m ready, and I’m close,” Wilson said. “We have a comprehensive plan. We’re following the plan. I don’t want to get into the details of the plan, but we’re following it.”

Tight end MyCole Pruitt was unable to practice all week and is also unavailable for action due to a knee injury. Because Pruitt is struggling with the knee injury, the Steelers have promoted tight end Rodney Williams from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

And Williams hopes his number will be called on Sunday.

“You always have to be extremely prepared,” Williams said. “You always have to be prepared because you never know. Guys could get sick the day of the game and call you. I just take every mental rep and make sure I’m ready when my number is called.”

“It’s a chance for me to prove myself and continue to prove that I belong in this league and make a name for myself.”

Williams said the preseason has been helpful for him over the past few years because it has given him the opportunity to get involved in the passing game.

“The preseason helps a lot, especially for guys like me,” Williams said. “In my role, that’s where we get the most reps and get the ball the most. I take those preseason games very seriously because they help me prepare for this moment here.”

On Saturday, the Steelers placed their No. 1 pick Troy Fautanu on the reserve/injured list. With Fautanu out, Broderick Jones will start at right tackle today.

The Steelers elevated offensive lineman John Leglue and cornerback James Pierre from the practice squad to the active/inactive roster for the game and both will be active.

Leglue returned to the Steelers practice squad this year after spending the 2023 season with the Atlanta Falcons. Leglue was first signed to the Steelers practice squad in 2020, spent two seasons with the team and appeared in six games in 2021.

He entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie free agent and signed with the Denver Broncos after the 2019 NFL Draft. After training camp in 2019, he was released by the Broncos and signed to the New Orleans Saints practice squad. The Green Bay Packers signed Leglue from the Saints practice squad in 2019. He also played for the Tennessee Titans for a time.

Pierre was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida Atlantic. He has played in 66 career games, including six starts in three seasons. He has recorded 59 tackles, including 52 solo stops, eight passes defensed, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He also has 35 special teams tackles.

Receiver Roman Wilson had hoped to finally get on the field this week, but that has been delayed because he is also inactive. Wilson has missed most of training camp, the preseason and the regular season so far due to an ankle injury.

“Every day I come into this building and do what I can to prepare for the game,” Wilson said. “I just come here, train hard and do what I need to do every day.”

“Every day I come here I feel like I’m getting a little better. That’s all I can focus on: having a good attitude and just getting better every day.”

“Absolutely, I want to play. I just want to play. God has a plan for me and I have to let it happen. Whatever it is, I hope it’s a good plan.”

Quarterback Justin Herbert is active for the Chargers.

The full list of inactives can be found below.