The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to be fairly set on starting Russell Wilson during the 2024 season, but his calf injury to kick off training camp has certainly placed some skepticism around that plan. While Wilson has been extremely limited, Justin Fields has been able to take advantage of the first-team reps he has been receiving. Fields hasn't taken over the starting job, but he has certainly made a dent in the gap that was originally between the two quarterbacks.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields running on the field during OTAs in 2024.
Wilson's injury isn't considered serious, but the team is taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the small issue remains a small one. In that time, Fields has been able to show more of what he is capable of as he gets used to the new offensive under Arthur Smith. He has shown flashes throughout the first handful of practices, but certainly had his best day on Tuesday. Many fans and members of the media noticed Fields improvements, and suggested that the quarterback competition is heating up.
WELP! That’ll do it for Day 5. My big winner today is Justin Fields. 🔥 Maybe all he needed was a few days practice and Russ breathing down his neck. O-line was great again today too, lots of time to throw. This QB competition feels very alive and well right now. 💯 #HereWeGo… pic.twitter.com/McnoY2pTP0
— B-Wall (@BWall) July 30, 2024
Wilson participated the most that he has in a practice on Tuesday, however it still wasn't a lot. It was mostly Fields taking the reps with the first team, while Wilson would occasionally relieve him. Fields led the offense during seven shots to begin practice, and they defeated the defense while Fields was seen using his legs to make plays.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields working out during OTAs.
Fields was nearly perfect throughout the rest of the team's practice. He lit up the defense during the team periods, and he and Wilson had a good back and fourth during the seven-on-seven period. Fields has shown flashes before in his NFL career, which is why consistency is probably the number one thing the coaching staff wants to see. ESPN's Brooke Pryor pointed this out while recapping Fields' perfect day.
Thought this was the best practice so far from Justin Fields. He didn’t miss a throw in team or 7-on-7 periods. Had a couple nice deep throws and designed runs. Most importantly, he made routine plays routinely. Consistency is the key, though, so keep an eye on how Fields does…
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) July 30, 2024
Consistency has been the Achilles Heel of Fields' career up until this point. Hopefully he can continue to prove himself throughout the rest of training camp and the preseason, and give Wilson a run for his money in the quarterback competition. It's safe to say Wilson may finally be feeling some pressure, as Fields has been able to begin to perform while Wilson is recovering.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson points towards some of his teammates as the offense prepares to run a drill during 2024 mandatory minicamp in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers' Quarterback Competition Is Starting To Heat Up
Wilson and Fields were going back and forth during the team drills and seven-on-seven. It was clear the two were getting more and more competitive as the practice went on, and it's a good sign of what is to come throughout the rest of training camp. Once Wilson gets back to full health, the intensity will rise even more.
Fields back in at QB1. He finds Washington over the middle for a nice gain. Queen in coverage. Next play, Herbig doing a solid job on Benton. Warren for a short gain. Russ then comes in and hands it off to Najee who has a huge gain off the right side. Feels like you can feel Russ…
— B-Wall (@BWall) July 30, 2024
Wilson is a veteran with plenty of experience and success in the NFL, so he will always be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to who has the edge on getting the starting job. It's crucial Fields continues to stack good days of practice on one top of another in order to truly make an impression on the coaching staff.
What do you think of Fields' training camp performances? Let us know in the comments below!
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