Steelers Coaches And Players Express Great Confidence In Justin Fields As Russell Wilson's Status Is In Question

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Russell Wilson had beat out Justin Fields for the starting job last week, but that plan may already be changing. Wilson's calf injury from the beginning of training camp resurfaced, as he was a limited participant in practice on Thursday due to calf tightness. Head Coach Mike Tomlin clarified that Wilson was limited as a precautionary measure, and he will be undergoing further testing after practice. Although unlikely, a path has opened for Fields to start in Week 1 for Pittsburgh.

Throughout training camp and the preseason, it was fairly obvious that the team would be sticking with Wilson as their starter no matter what, but Fields made the battle for the starting job closer than most thought it would be. Fields got a lot of work with the starters during training camp due to Wilson's calf injury. Tomlin spoke about his confidence in Fields if he does have to start, which was reported by Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"I’m extremely comfortable if that is the case, certainly.”

Ideally, Wilson will be able to go with no restrictions once kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons rolls around on Sunday. He has been named the starting quarterback and the organization would like to give Fields some time as a backup in order to develop. The team is still confident in what Fields can do if he is forced to start, which running back Najee Harris spoke on following practice on Thursday.

"We’re confident in whoever’s at quarterback, we know the game plan. We’re gonna execute it. We’re confident in whoever’s there.”

Both Fields and Wilson had some issues during Pittsburgh's preseason games. Neither quarterback looked spectacular, but Wilson was given the edge in the competition due to his experience and success at the NFL level. 

A constant theme for Tomlin when it comes to handling injuries in 2024 has been exercising precaution. This was the reason Wilson was so limited, and was even held out of some practices at the start of training camp. He didn't really become a full participant in training camp practices until the final week of the Steelers being in Latrobe. 

Wilson will play if the decision is up to him, but there is a chance further testing will force team doctors to suggest he should sit out. If that is the case, based on past decisions from Tomlin, he may sit out his starting quarterback to begin the season until he is fully healthy.

The veteran is 35 years-old, and it's hard to bounce back from injury at that age. In the 2023 season alone, NFL fans saw two veteran quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins, go down for the season due to Achilles heal injuries. Pittsburgh doesn't want Wilson's calf injury to turn into something more serious, so exercising caution and starting Fields may be the smart play for Tomlin.

Steelers' Justin Fields Could Have A Big Opportunity In Week 1

On the off chance Pittsburgh decides to start Fields in place of Wilson, it will be a big opportunity for Fields. The fourth-year quarterback has had an up-and-down career so far in the NFL, but it seemed as though he has been making strides on improving his game since arriving in Pittsburgh. If he can play well, if he starts, the quarterback could prove he should be the starter throughout the season.

The quarterback position is certainly something to keep an eye on as the Steelers kickoff the regular season in just a few days. It was the talk of training camp, and now it has popped up due to the unfortunate injury to Wilson.

Who do you want to start Week 1? Let us know in the comments below!

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