The Pittsburgh Steelers, even after their late charge into the 2023 postseason, made big changes in their quarterback room during the offseason.
Justin Fields is one-half of the franchise’s prominent QB duo alongside Russell Wilson. The latter, however, is dealing with a calf injury that surfaced just before the Steelers held their first training camp practice. Does this mean the starting quarterback duties ahead of Friday’s preseason opener are in Fields’ hands?
Latest Update Around Justin Fields
Wilson is already a scratch for the Steelers’ opener against the Houston Texans, as the team clearly wants to be cautious with the past Super Bowl winner before the regular season.
Fields, though, is healthy and ready to go. Head coach Mike Tomlin revealed to reporters Wednesday when he’ll have Fields see action against the defending AFC South champions.
“I’m probably gonna give that ‘first unit’ — and him included in that — a couple of series,” Tomlin said.
That signifies QB1 duties belong to Fields for this evening’s contest at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Fields made it clear that he understands the situation that he is currently in.
“I’m just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get,” Fields said. “I know that if (Wilson) wasn’t hurt, I wouldn’t be in this position. These are opportunities for me and I’m trying to take full advantage of it.”
How to Watch Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network
- Live stream options: NFL +, Steelers team website
What to Expect From Fields in 2024
Even with Fields on board, the Steelers have verbally painted the picture that Wilson has the starting reins.
However, on the day Wilson couldn’t join the rest of his teammates on Day 1 of camp, Fields used his right arm to put on a show in front of Steelers fans.
Wow perfectly placed deep ball for a Van Jefferson touchdown. pic.twitter.com/8ZYtvomPD0
— Baku 🐧 (@Mazursky8895) July 25, 2024
That performance sparked early theories that Wilson wasn’t a sure bet to head into Week 1 as the starting QB. Now, fast forward to Wednesday, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick told the Dan Patrick Show that he believes Wilson will soon take a back seat to Fields — anointing the one-time Chicago Bears first-round pick as the starter to open the 2024 season.
“I have a feeling based on my conversations that if Justin can continue to ascend like he is looking in practice, he’s going start Week 1, he’s going to be the opening day starter,” Riddick told Patrick on Wednesday.
"I have a feeling based on my conversations that if Justin can continue to ascend like he is looking in practice, he's going start Week 1, he's going to be the opening day starter."
–@LRiddickESPN on the #Steelers starting QB competition between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields pic.twitter.com/Hp5KbkyJC5
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) August 8, 2024
How Does Tomlin Feel About Fields’ Approach?
While Riddick calls for Fields over Wilson, the person who still has final say with who leads the Steelers’ offense is Tomlin.
When the Steelers traded for Fields, they were getting an No. 11 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft class who delivered subpar results for the Bears. Fields never completed more than 61.5% of his throws across his three seasons in the Windy City and failed to produce a 3,000-yard campaign. He did flash as a runner — compiling 1,143 yards and scoring eight touchdowns in 2022.
But Fields’ throwing mechanics and accuracy were heavily criticized in Chicago. Fields struggled with the latter on sideline throws last season — completing no higher than 44.4% of his passes toward both sides in home and away games according to TruMedia.
Fields now gets his first shot at saving his young NFL career in a new setting. Overall, what approach has Tomlin seen out of Fields?
“I just think he comes to compete every day,” Tomlin said of Fields on Wednesday. “He’s got an awesome, competitive spirit. We’ve got a competitive environment, and it seems like he’s enjoying it. He’s doing a really great job of acclimating to it and his teammates and letting his talents show.”