The Pittsburgh Steelers have a bit of a quarterback controversy on their hands at the start of the 2024 season. The organization acquired both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during the 2024 offseason, and it was kind of assumed that the team would opt to start the experienced veteran in Wilson. This would also give Fields some time to learn under Wilson, which is probably what the organization had in mind when bringing in both of the signal-callers. Obviously, things didn't go according to plan as Fields is set to start his third game of the season in Week 3.
Steelers.com
Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields wait for a drill to start at practice.
Wilson's time with the Steelers was interrupted by a calf injury almost immediately. The injury was reported on the first day of training camp, and it kept Wilson sidelined for almost the entire time the Steelers were in Latrobe. The injury then flared up once again after Wilson was named the starter for the regular season while the Steelers were getting ready to kick off their season opener. Since then, Fields has gone 2-0 and is preparing for his third start, this time against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3.
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio recently appeared on 93.7 The Fan, where he shared a specific challenge the Steelers will have with keeping Wilson on the sidelines.
"The challenge is keeping Russell Wilson from activating his personal media machine in the event that he knows he's ready to go and he's frustrated about not playing. That's the only downside to this, but I think they know how to handle him in a way that will keep him from trying to make his case through his PR representatives, to reporters who would be pushing the agenda that, 'Why did he come here? He should be traded,' whatever the case may be."
Wilson is still dealing with his nagging injury, but the push has already been started by some to make Fields the season-long starter, even if Wilson returns to full health. Wilson has said himself that he is making great strides towards being able to return to a full participant at practice, which is when this argument could really start to form. Fields starting now isn't that big of a deal, but if it continues once Wilson is healthy, it could certainly stir the pot.
Alysa Rubin / Steelers.com
Steelers' Russell Wilson during a practice in 2024.
Wilson has been in the league a long time, with this being his 13th season. He knows how to act in the media and knows how to use it to his advantage. If Fields continues to start and Wilson grows unhappy in Pittsburgh, Florio is insinuating that the veteran quarterback can push a narrative that he wants out of Pittsburgh.
This is a bit hard to believe, especially with how Wilson has ingratiated himself into the Pittsburgh community ever since arriving in March. He seems to be happy being a Steeler, but that can change if he isn't getting the playing time he feels he deserves.
Steelers' Russell Wilson Must Perform In 2024 To Continue His Career As A Starting Quarterback
The 2024 season is crucial for Wilson, especially since he is only on a one-year deal in Pittsburgh. If he can't solidify himself as the starter with the Steelers, he won't have any recent game tape to prove to other teams that he can still perform at a high level. Wilson has already stated he plans to play for a considerable amount of time in the NFL, but that might not be an option for the veteran if he can't revive his career with the Steelers.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Fields hasn't done anything spectacular on the stat sheet, but he is leading his team to wins. If he begins to cost the team victories and Wilson can get back to 100 percent, the coaching staff may consider making a change, but as of right now, the starting quarterback job seems like it is firmly in the grasp of Fields.
Do you think there is any validity to Florio's concerns? Let us know in the comments below!
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