The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a bit of a predicament at the quarterback position since training camp between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson. Wilson has struggled with his health since the first day of training camp, which opened the door for Fields to display what he can do. He has started the first six games of the 2024 season and led the team to an impressive 4-2 record. Wilson was healthy for the first time in Week 6 and was the backup to Fields, but that may change in Week 7.
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Steelers' Justin Fields and Russell Wilson during training camp ahead of the 2024 season.
Wilson practice in full for the first time before Pittsburgh's Week 6 matchup, and he will continue to knock the rust off before Pittsburgh takes on the New York Jets. Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that Wilson will be practicing with the starting offense, and has a chance to start against New York.
Sources: The #Steelers plan to give Russell Wilson first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to make his season debut and start Sunday night against the #Jets.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2024
Pittsburgh is 4-2 with Justin Fields. But Wilson’s calf is fully healed and now he gets his shot. pic.twitter.com/vrhgo7LfgO
The fan base and analysts have been pretty split on who should start for the Steelers, but there are benefits to each quarterback. Even Ben Roethlisberger shared that he believes Fields should be the starting quarterback for Pittsburgh moving forward.
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Steelers' Justin Fields watches Russell Wilson throw the ball.
Fields has done what is necessary to remain the starter. He has looked a little spotty at times, but he has led the team to a 4-2 record. His legs have been a huge part of the offense's production, and he has the better chance of being Pittsburgh's future quarterback due to his age. Pittsburgh would be doing themselves a disservice by taking Fields out of the starting job.
It's important to note that both Fields and Wilson will be taking reps with the first-team during the week of practice, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin will make a decision on who will start closer to game time. The Jets have a stifling front-seven, so Pittsburgh may be better off with a quarterback that is capable of extending plays and running the football. That is Fields, not Wilson.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterbacks Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Kyle Allen during voluntary offseason workouts
Fields has done a good job of protecting the football during his six starts with Pittsburgh. He has had some bad plays, but for the most part he has done everything that has been asked of him. Now it is time to see if Wilson can out-perform Fields in the offense.
What do you think of this decision? Who do you think should start? Let us know in the comments below!
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