The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation got a little murky over the last week as Russell Wilson re-aggravated his calf injury that he initially suffered at the beginning of training camp. Wilson was limited for the last two days of Week 1 practice, and it has been up in the air up until this point whether or not he would be the Week 1 starter. Wilson and Justin Fields had a fairly close quarterback competition over the summer, which surprised some, but Wilson won the starting job. The competition was all for none, as the Super Bowl-winning quarterback will miss Week 1.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during training camp ahead of the 2024 season.
Wilson felt as though he could play, but he wasn't fully healthy. A lot went into the decision for the quarterback to sit out Week 1. The team wanted to exercise precaution with the injury; it made no sense to force Wilson to play through the injury and risk it getting hurt. If Fields still needs to develop, the team will need Wilson moving forward.
Now official: Justin Fields starts for the #Steelers today, team says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 8, 2024
Another big factor for this decision was the play of the offensive line. It's no secret the line has struggled mightily throughout the preseason, and a good group of them are banged up as well. Pittsburgh's best offensive lineman, Isaac Seumalo, is missing the game as well.
A banged up offensive line paired with a quarterback with limited mobility isn't an ideal combination. Fields will give Pittsburgh its best chance to win the game, and Wilson needs the extra time off to bounce bag from his nagging calf injury.
USA Today
Steelers' Justin Fields throws the football while Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth watches.
Steelers Will Need A Quarterback With Mobility In Week 1
Wilson's mobility has decreased throughout his career, and the calf injury won't help. Wilson has been one of the most sacked quarterbacks in the league over the last two seasons, and he needs to be able to escape the pressure. A limited quarterback against the new and improved Atlanta Falcons defense is a recipe for disaster, so the coaching staff gave Fields the starting nod.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' Justin Fields warms up prior to a preseason game in 2024.
Are you happy that Fields is starting Week 1? What do you expect from him? Let us know in the comments below!
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