The Pittsburgh Steelers expected to enter the 2024 season with Russell Wilson under center. However, Wilson was injured before training camp even started. That has allowed Justin Fields to step up and get a shot at leading the team. Wilson is healthy now and practicing, and the biggest question around UPMC Rooney Sports Complex has been, "When will he start?"
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Steelers' Justin Fields (2) and Russell Wilson (3).
The answer isn't simple: Wilson might have been named the de facto starter by Head Coach Mike Tomlin, but he never took a single regular season snap in black and gold. Adding to the confusion is that Fields started the season off 3-0 and seemed to be improving right up through Week 4. Even in the loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Fields showed patience, perseverance, and almost led the team to a winning comeback.
The heartbreaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5 has Fields on the hot seat. Many of the analysts who were singing his praises a week before are begging for him to be benched in favor of Wilson. In speaking to the media on Thursday, Wilson said he is ready to go, according to a video posted by Mike DeFabo from The Athletic on X.
"That's a big question," said Wilson with a chuckle. "I'm preparing my mind to get ready to go and everything else. So that's kind of my mentality and help us win and whatever that is. I'm just getting prepared to help out."
In his Tuesday press conference, Tomlin told the media that Wilson would be a full participant for the first time since arriving in Pittsburgh. He also indicated that he and the coaches would need to see if Wilson could "pull it off" at practice. According to ESPN's Brooke Pryor on X, Wilson said he has been working out with everyone.
"I've worked with everybody. I think that's the good thing, throwing all the different guys and everything else, all the run game stuff and all the checks and all that. So I feel good about it.'"
The media's opinions on who will start are split. Some believe Tomlin won't be happy until he sees what Wilson can do for the team since he has seen what Fields can do. Others believe that Fields offers the Steelers unique skills and brings talent to the table that Wilson doesn't have.
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Steelers QBs Russell Wilson (3) and Justin Fields (2) look on during practice.
The videos of Wilson from practice show him moving around the field with ease. He told the media that the Steelers' defense helped prepare him to return. Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette posted that running well is paramount to returning. Pryor said that Wilson credits the Steelers' defense with helping him be able to protect himself.
"We obviously have a great pass rush and going against those guys every day, so I'm definitely getting a lot of that simulation there... I've played a lot of football games, I've been in a lot of moments. I don't fear 'em. You get ready to go and rock and roll, like I said when you step in those white lines, and I think that's what matters."
The Steelers face a big challenge this week against the Las Vegas Raiders. While it once again is being billed as a game that Pittsburgh should easily win, they have struggled with these "trap" games for years. On top of that, they are also decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball.
Steelers' Defense Deserves Blame For Week 5 Loss
While Fields has taken the blame from the media for the loss to the Cowboys, Steelers captain and longtime defensive leader Cameron Heyward said that the defense shoulders the burden for the loss. Heyward said that the offense did enough for the team to win, and the defense was unable to stop the Cowboys' game-winning drive.
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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert makes a touchdown catch as Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott tries to stop him to win the game.
Pittsburgh did win the turnover battle against the Cowboys, forcing an impressive three turnovers. They came close to making it four on a remarkable play by Elandon Roberts towards the end of the game, but couldn't gain possession. Despite Heyward's ascertaining that the offense did enough, they couldn't capitalize on those hard-won turnovers, nor could they sustain drives to give their defense a rest.
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