Russell Wilson had a lackluster preseason debut with the Pittsburgh Steelers as they lost 9-3 to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Wilson, dealing with a calf injury, struggled by completing 8 of 10 passes for only 47 yards and taking three sacks in five series of plays. Justin Fields, who showed more dynamic play, went 11 of 17 for 92 yards and led the team with 42 rushing yards but struggled to convert on key downs.

The Bills, missing quarterback Josh Allen, performed better than their previous game, with Tyler Bass kicking three field goals. Mitch Trubisky started for the Bills, completing 9 of 13 passes for 86 yards against the Steelers defense without T.J. Watt. The Bills rushed for 169 yards, taking advantage of a Steelers defense missing key players.

Allen, who sat out the game, will be ready for the regular season opener against Arizona, while the Steelers look towards Wilson to lead them in Week 1 against Atlanta. Despite a rusty performance, Wilson remains in the running to start for Pittsburgh, with coach Mike Tomlin expressing confidence in him even after a subpar showing. The Steelers will use the next few weeks to work on improvements.

Wilson connected with running back Jaylen Warren for his longest completion of 12 yards, lacking the deep passing game the Steelers hoped he would bring. Despite a near-acrobatic catch by George Pickens, the Steelers only managed a missed field goal attempt with Wilson at the helm.

As for injuries, the Bills saw several players like Marquez Valdes-Scantling leave the game due to various injuries, while the Steelers dealt with hamstring issues for Warren and a concussion for linebacker Payton Wilson.

The Bills will host Carolina next Saturday, while the Steelers will travel to Detroit for their next preseason matchup.