The Pittsburgh Steelers will have an important decision to make ahead of the 2024 season that could effect the future of the franchise. That decision is whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will be the opening day starter in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson has more experience in the league, while Fields provides a ton of potential that could turn into him being the franchise quarterback. This makes the 2024 season absolutely critical, as both quarterbacks are only under contract for one year.
Steelers.com
Steelers QB Justin Fields working out in Pittsburgh during the team's OTAs.
Wilson came into training camp as the quarterback in "pole position" to be the starting quarterback. There is somewhat of a competition, but it seems Wilson has been given a favorable head start over Fields. This has been shown by the fact that Wilson has missed considerable time and Fields has impressed in his absence, yet Wilson was still named the starting quarterback on the team's first depth chart. Former NFL executive and current analyst, Louis Riddick, was on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday where he shared some interesting conversations he has had.
"I have a feeling, based on my conversations, that if Justin continues to ascend during the games like he has during practice, he's going to start Week 1. He's going to be the opening day starter."
After a slow start, Fields has impressed so far in Latrobe, as he saw an uptick in participation due to a calf injury that sidelined Wilson for the first chunk of training camp. Due to the injury, Fields saw a lot of snaps with the first team that he would not have seen had Wilson been healthy. Fields opened some eyes and turned heads, but none of it matters if he can't perform the same way in a game setting during the preseason.
Associated Press
Steelers' Justin Fields running with the football during camp while OC Arthur Smith gets hype.
Wilson returned as a full participant in practice within the last week, which has resulted in Fields taking less snaps. Despite that, what he did in Wilson's absence doesn't go unnoticed. Riddick shared a story about attending North Carolina's Pro Day ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, where he spoke with Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith.
"I'm not speaking for Arthur Smith, but I know Arthur loved Justin Fields. I talked to him down at UNC's Pro Day watching Drake Maye. I promise you he's sitting there going, 'Hey, Russ gotta get out here.' Because they don't have any allegiance to either one of these guys."
Riddick brought this up while discussing what Pittsburgh's personnel meetings likely looked like while Fields was performing well during camp and Wilson was on the sidelines, which certainly closed the gap in the competition. It's understandable why Smith would have an infatuation with Fields. He operates a run-heavy offense, and Fields' athleticism presents some opportunities that Wilson's does not. It is still likely Pittsburgh gives the opening day nod to the more experienced of the two players; but if Fields performs well in the preseason, there will be a serious argument for him to be the starter.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Calvin Austin III during training camp in 2024.
Steelers May Not Even Play Russell Wilson During The Preseason
Wilson is still recovering from his minor calf injury, so it makes sense as to why he won't play in the team's first preseason game. Pittsburgh will then have two more games before the regular season kicks off. It will be interesting to see how much they decide to play Wilson, if at all. The quarterback is entering his 13th season in the league, which means there could be some serious risk that comes with playing him in meaningless games.
On the other hand, Fields will be given many chances throughout the preseason to overtake Wilson on the depth chart. It might be best to play both quarterbacks; that way the coaching staff can evaluate both players within the offense during game situations. Either way, it will be interesting to see how the organization navigates the quarterback situation as the season quickly approaches.
Who do you think will start against the Falcons for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
