Head coach Mike Tomlin has left the door wide open for Justin Fields and Russell Wilson to grab the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback position.
After starting for six weeks, Fields reacted to this possibility, which led former Houston Texans icon J.J. Watt to share his admiration for the young QB at the prospect of being benched in favor of the veteran.
J.J. Watt Admires Justin Fields’ Stance as Russell Wilson Prepares Comeback
Wilson, the 2014 Super Bowl winner, is expected to be back for the Week 7 clash, and despite being the starter, Fields is at peace with possibly being benched.
“I don’t think I played good enough, if I’m being real with you,” said Fields to the media.
In six games, Fields has registered 1,106 yards for five touchdowns and was intercepted only once, with a QB rating of 54.0.
“If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing, who should not,” Fields further added.
Fields and the Steelers started the season with a three-game winning streak but lost the next two games. Yet, Fields was instrumental in Pittsburgh winning its last game against the Las Vegas Raiders 32-13.
Now that Wilson is fit from his calf injury, he’s in pole position to take back the Steelers’ starting job.
Meanwhile, Watt was highly impressed by the 25-year-old Fields’ maturity and took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise him.
“Man, what an answer from a guy who is 4-2 and gave them a legitimate chance to be 5-1 right now. Poise, maturity, class. Hard to not be a fan,” tweeted Watt.
Man, what an answer from a guy who is 4-2 and gave them a legitimate chance to be 5-1 right now.
Poise, maturity, class.
Hard to not be a fan. https://t.co/BcwhK6Yi3M
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) October 17, 2024
Watt has a close relationship with the Steelers because his younger brother, T.J. Watt, is the franchise’s linebacker.
Fields Over Wilson for Steelers Argues Former NFL MVP
In his debut as an analyst, former Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton on ESPN’s “First Take” argued that Fields has done enough.
Newton suggested that Tomlin should “crown” Fields, which would also help the squad’s morale. The former quarterback also suggested a tactical use of Wilson’s legendary status.
Cam Newton says the Steelers should use Russell Wilson as trade value: “Honestly, use Russell Wilson as trade value. The fact that the Miami Dolphins haven’t reached out to Pittsburgh is beyond me, especially with the specific situation at this particular point in time. I know… https://t.co/7ka0dzJWsJ
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) October 14, 2024
Newton said, “Honestly, use Russell Wilson as trade value. The fact that the Miami Dolphins haven’t reached out to Pittsburgh is beyond me, especially with the specific situation at this particular point in time.”
The Steelers will host the New York Jets at home for their Week 7 clash. The Sunday night game will give fans a better idea of Tomlin’s plans for Fields and Wilson.