Steelers' Justin Fields Displays Clear Desire To Play With The Starters In Preseason Finale

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been less than impressed with their quarterback play throughout the first two preseason games of 2024. Neither Russell Wilson or Justin Fields have seemed to lock up the starting job, as Pittsburgh is one of just two teams yet to announce their starting quarterback for the regular season opener. Wilson sat out of the team's first preseason game as he recovered from his calf injury, but didn't look great in his first preseason action of 2024 against the Buffalo Bills. 

Fields has spent the majority of training camp taking snaps with the starters due to Wilson's injury. He impressed during the practices, but against the Houston Texans, he certainly struggled. He ignited some more excitement during his second outing against Buffalo, but didn't get to take any snaps with the rest of the starting offense. Fields spoke to the local media on Thursday and was asked about when he expects to play, and whether or not he thinks it'll be with the starters in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. 

"Of course it’s something that I want, but at the end of the day, I don't make those decisions. That’s above my pay grade. I think that’s a question for Coach [Tomlin]."

It would make sense for Head Coach Mike Tomlin to want to see both of his potential starting quarterbacks with the starting offensive line and wide receivers. It gives each quarterback a fair shot to display what they can do, even though Wilson was at a disadvantage against Buffalo playing with the starting offensive line. The veteran quarterback was sacked three times in three different possessions, which were all drive-killers.

Wilson exited the game after five possessions against the Bills, and Fields replaced him for the remainder of the contest. He was throwing to guys like Scotty Miller and Dez Fitzpatrick, who he hadn't practiced a ton with due to him filling in for Wilson at the start of training camp. Fields didn't have too much of an issue with the offensive line that was protecting him, but it seemed his receivers struggled to get open at times. Fields often had to use his legs to extend plays and hit receivers while scrambling.

A clear example of Fields being at a disadvantage while playing with backups came when he took a deep shot for receiver TJ Luther. Fields was scrutinized on social media for overthrowing the receiver, when in reality, it looked like Luther had given up on his route.

Luther seems to have slowed down some, and maybe even took the wrong angle on his route while also jumping too early. By no means is this a perfect throw from Fields, but it is a good example of what happens when he is targeting receivers that were signed the week of the preseason game. Luther is an extreme long shot to make the team, and Tomlin is doing Fields a disservice by playing him around that level of talent. Fields was defended by many former players for his throw after the game.

Steelers Quarterback Competition Coming Down To The Wire

The New England Patriots are the only team aside from the Steelers who have not named their starting quarterback for the regular season. Tomlin has been consistent in saying that Wilson is in pole position to be the starter, but Fields is still competing. Fields needs to have a strong week of practice topped off by a quality performance against the Lions in order to take the starting role, which seems to be a long shot. 

It is likely Tomlin will just roll into the regular season with the more experienced quarterback, which is clearly Wilson. Fields will still have a chance to claim the role throughout the season if Wilson begins to struggle.

How much do you want to see Fields on Saturday night? Do you want to see him play with the starters? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation