Russell Wilson to start, could have new center when Steelers face Bills in 2nd preseason game

Russell Wilson will start at quarterback Saturday when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Buffalo Bills in their second preseason game.

The player snapping the ball to Wilson could be new, too.

Rookie second-rounder Zach Frazier could start at center because of an injury to veteran Nate Herbig.

Herbig was injured late in the Steelers’ final practice at Saint Vincent, and he did not participate in the joint practice with Buffalo on Thursday at Acrisure Stadium.

Coach Mike Tomlin hasn’t ruled out Herbig, who has taken almost all the first-team reps at center ahead of Frazier.

“We’ll wait and see on his level of availability before I declare that,” Tomlin said. “We’re going to leave the door ajar for as many as we can.”

T.J. Watt also did not take part in the joint practice because of a veteran day of rest. Rookies Troy Fautanu and Roman Wilson also watched from the sideline with prior injuries that will keep them from playing Saturday night.

Cornerback Donte Jackson, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, inside linebacker Patrick Queen and outside linebacker Alex Highsmith were among the veterans who dressed for the joint practice. Jackson (undisclosed) and Highsmith (groin) had missed multiple days of practice.

“We have an inclusive mentality,” Tomlin said about the game. “We’re not setting anyone aside to minimize their reps. All that are healthy will participate.”

That includes Wilson, who did not suit up for the preseason opener after suffering a calf injury on the eve of the first training camp workout. Tomlin said Wilson and the first-team offensive and defensive units are expected to play four series against Buffalo.

“We have that mindset, but it is subject to change based on what we see out there,” he said.

The joint practice was the first for the Steelers since the 2016 preseason. It was structured in the same format as a regular Steelers practice with two periods devoted to special teams, another to the 2-point conversion and a two-minute drill to end it.

“We need that type of work, particularly in regard to special teams,” Tomlin said. “It’s probably the most difficult thing to duplicate in a practice setting with the intensity.”

It also gave the Steelers offense a chance to work against a 4-3 defense. For the Bills, they could match up against the Steelers’ 3-4 defense.

“That is what made the work really good,” Tomlin said.