PITTSBURGH — When there were 46 days before the Steelers’ season opener, Russell Wilson’s health was brushed off as ‘not much to see here.’

Three days out from Atlanta, it now stands to reason that Wilson’s calf tightness is more concerning. Wilson was limited in Thursday’s practice on the South Side upon reporting that discomfort to the training staff, Mike Tomlin said afterward.

“His calf got tight, so we wanted to exercise some precaution,” Tomlin said. “We’ll see what tomorrow looks like and kind of go from there.”

Beyond that, the post-practice news conference with Tomlin was rather one-sided and exceedingly brief.

Is there any long-term concern with Wilson’s problematic calf?

“None.”

At what point in practice did it flare up?

“He was a limited participant.”

Is it the same calf Wilson aggravated on July 24 during the conditioning test the day before training camp opened?

“Yes.”

How does that impact game-planning for Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Falcons?

“It really doesn't at all, to be honest with you.”

Does it need to be further evaluated?

“We probably will, just to exercise an abundance of precaution.”

What’s his level of confidence if he must turn to Justin Fields this week?

“I’m extremely comfortable if that is the case, certainly.”

That’s the long and short of what Tomlin had to say less than 72 hours before kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and he’ll likely let the injury report do the talking Friday. Wilson was initially scheduled to meet with reporters after practice but postponed his availability.

Fields was also put on ice for any interviews while Wilson made his way through the locker room with no noticeable limp or treatment for his balky calf. Other players spoke about the elephant in the room, though, including No. 1 running back Najee Harris.

“We’re confident in whoever’s at quarterback,” Harris said. “We know the game plan. We’re gonna execute it. We’re confident in whoever’s there.”

Harris added both passers offer good mobility and, when asked if there’s any doubt about who lines up for the first snap in Atlanta, responded, “No.”

Starting receiver Van Jefferson noted that the amount of work the first-team offense got with Fields while Wilson was managing his calf injury in training camp and the early portion of preseason can only help. Fields operated as QB1 until Wilson returned to the field in Latrobe, first on a limited basis four practices into camp, throwing his first pass in a live period on Aug. 4, then in a full capacity later that week.

Wilson was held out of the preseason opener, played five quick series in the second and was pulled after five snaps in the finale. Tomlin officially declared Wilson the starter a week ago Wednesday, but Fields got a long look in the de-facto competition.

“Justin’s a guy that works a lot. We do a lot of things after practice to get our chemistry down with him,” Jefferson said. “For the time that Russ was out and he was at camp, we all saw the way that he performed and how great he was out there in camp. I feel like if he’s out there, no one’s gonna miss a beat. I know he’s prepared to go out there and do it, so whatever happens Sunday, we’ll be ready.”

Perhaps this is all much ado about nothing in the end, but at the very least, Wilson’s troublesome calf is now costing him reps on the front and back end of the team preparation process. Falcons coach Raheem Morris may have been preparing to see some of Fields already, but surely this is sending some different vibes through the facility in Flowery Branch, Ga., too.

The NFL season kicks off Thursday night with the Chiefs versus the Ravens, but the Steelers already have drama of their own. Stay tuned.

“It makes us feel more comfortable if Russ isn’t able to go,” tight end Connor Heyward said of their extended time with Fields to this point. “But we’re not even thinking that because that’s not where it’s at right now. But obviously, if Justin’s in there, we have all the confidence in him as well.”

On the brighter side of Thursday’s injury report, No. 2 running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring), No. 3 outside cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (groin) and first-round pick Troy Fautanu (knee) were upgraded from limited to full participants. That bodes well for all three to be active Sunday, and at this rate, everyone healthy might be in uniform.

Not as encouraging is that rookie receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was limited for the second day in a row, and backup tight end Darnell Washington (knee) was added with a knee issue. Washington did not practice. Rookie defensive lineman Logan Lee (calf) remains out, as well.

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