The Pittsburgh Steelers face an intriguing decision at quarterback. During the 2024 offseason, they brought in both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, with Wilson originally set to be the starter while Fields would compete for the job. However, due to a calf injury, Wilson has yet to play this season.
AP Photo / Gene J. Puskar
Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk while they get warmed up for camp.
In Wilson's absence, Fields has stepped up admirably, accounting for 10 total touchdowns and just one interception while leading the Steelers to a 4-2 record. His ability to change games with his legs has led many to argue that he should remain the starter, even now that Wilson is healthy.
On Tuesday, Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media in his usual press conference. He praised Wilson's recovery, noting that he has proven to be healthy. Both Wilson and Fields will split first-team reps, but many pundits close to the team believe this indicates Tomlin's intention to name Wilson the starter again.
Not everyone agrees with this potential decision. Some experts question whether it’s wise to shift away from Fields, who has been instrumental in helping the team win games, in favor of the uncertain return of Wilson. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo expressed his thoughts on 93.7 The Fan, explaining why he believes Tomlin made the choice to go with Wilson instead of Fields.
"Yeah, I think so," Fittipaldo said of the offense passing more with Wilson. "A couple of games ago, they were breaking their tendencies of throwing on first down with Justin. They just didn’t hit on them. Arthur Smith runs play-action more than any other offensive coordinator in the league. Justin isn’t good at that, but Russell is really good at that."
Fittipaldo highlighted that Fields missed three consecutive throws during the game, which he believes significantly influenced Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith's decision to return to Wilson as the starter.
"There was a series in the second quarter where Justin missed three wide open receivers and at Allegiant Stadium. We are high in the press box and you can see how plays develop, and I’m thinking any NFL quarterback is gonna make two out of those three throws. He didn’t make any of them."
Fittipaldo went on to highlight another play that likely left the Steelers coaching staff scratching their heads.
"There was another play guys, I think right after the blocked punt, the lateral to Jaylen Warren. I mean that play just can’t happen. I think Mike and Arthur probably took a look at those plays, the slow starts and came to that determination it was time to give Russ a shot."
Fields has been a solid quarterback in his first six games with the Steelers. He wouldn’t have had any opportunities had Wilson been healthy, but due to Wilson's calf injury, Fields stepped in and performed well.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson warms up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans.
He made the most of his chances, demonstrating enough skill to convince the coaching staff that he could be a key part of the franchise’s future at the quarterback position.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is Curious About What He Has In Russell Wilson
However, as Tomlin mentioned in his press conference, the decision leans more on Wilson’s proven abilities and experience rather than Fields’ level of play. While Tomlin acknowledges Fields’ solid performance, he is also aware of the talented quarterback in Wilson who hasn’t had a chance to show what he can do. It’s clear that Tomlin is eager to explore what the offense might look like with Wilson at the helm and feels the need to find out.
If you’re arguing for why the Steelers should start Russell Wilson, you probably start with these three consecutive throws from Justin Fields.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) October 16, 2024
Brutal stretch from Fields that killed a drive. pic.twitter.com/B0qmAsCC1U
Fields certainly has areas to improve, but it’s unfair to place the blame for many of the offense's struggles solely on him. While the offense hasn't been explosive, it has performed better than it did in the 2023 season, thanks in large part to Fields' mobility. Tomlin likely believes the passing game could significantly improve with Wilson at the helm.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football against the Las Vegas Raiders during an away regular season game.
It will be interesting to see how the quarterback situation unfolds for the Steelers. They currently hold a 4-2 record with Fields, and benching him for Wilson presents a risk. However, the opportunity to assess what the former Super Bowl champion still has to offer is too significant for the Steelers to pass up.
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