The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterbacks from the 2023 season are no longer with the team. This offseason, the Steelers added two new quarterbacks: Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both have generated significant excitement among fans and pundits. The quarterback competition has been a major topic of discussion and has continued into training camp as expected.
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Steelers' Justin Fields and Russell Wilson chat during camp.
Wilson missed the start of training camp with a sore calf injury sustained during the conditioning test while pushing a sled. The injury was said to be very minor. Mike Tomlin even joked that Wilson wanted to practice, but was forced to sit out, creating some short-term misery. This has given Fields a real chance to show what he can do with the starters. Reports indicate that Fields has been impressing in Pittsburgh.
Wilson started in the lead position, and nothing has changed on that front. He is currently listed as the starter on the depth chart, but Tomlin has made it clear that Fields has a real chance to win the job. On Wednesday, Tomlin spoke to the media about Fields playing in the preseason game on Friday against the Houston Texans. Wilson will not play. Tomlin was asked about Fields getting to audition during the preseason game.
“I think everything is an audition. Everything that we do is an audition, not only for him [Justin Fields], but for others,” Tomlin told the media on Wednesday.
With Wilson not playing in the preseason, Fields has another opportunity to impress the coaching staff. Though he is likely to play only a few series, Steelers fans are excited to see him in real game action.
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Quarterback Justin Fields celebrates during his time with the Chicago Bears.
Tomlin was asked about Wilson's current status as the starter and whether Fields is genuinely competing for the starting job. He was also asked to compare the significance of preseason performance versus practice.
“Very much is a competition. What happens in stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting because it’s more game like.”
Tomlin was also asked about the new depth chart he released and whether it confirms that Wilson is still in the lead position. He quickly shut down the question, stating that the depth chart speaks for itself. Despite Wilson's limited practice time, his position at the top has not changed.
Wilson holds the lead position due to Tomlin's respect for his resume. Tomlin believes Wilson's body of work justifies his starting role. However, Tomlin isn't concerned about fairness in the competition. If Fields performs well enough, he will have a legitimate chance to take the job from Wilson.
Steelers' Justin Fields And Russell Wilson Both Have A Lot To Prove
Both Wilson and Fields have had impressive moments over the last few seasons, but ended up in Pittsburgh because they didn't fully prove themselves with their former teams. Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks was traded to the Denver Broncos and signed a five-year, $242 million deal.
Many expected him to elevate the Broncos into Super Bowl contention, but he won just 11 games in two seasons, throwing for 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions with a 63.3% completion rate.
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Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields meet on the field following a professional football matchup at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL.
Fields was drafted by the Chicago Bears with high hopes that he would be their long-term answer at quarterback. He threw for 40 touchdowns but also 30 interceptions over three seasons.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, his struggles led the Bears to move on from him after the 2023 season. Fields, a dual-threat quarterback, brings excitement and potential to Pittsburgh with his youth and dynamic play style. Steeler Nation will closely watch how the quarterback competition unfolds over the next few weeks.
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