An update on the quarterback decision between Wilson and Fields is given by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.
The starting quarterback for the Steelers in Week 1 is still up in the air, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Although Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both joined Pittsburgh this summer, Tomlin stated following Saturday’s loss to the Lions that he will take more time to decide between the two. Wilson has been playing as the starter during the preseason. According to ESPN, Tomlin stated, “We’ll make a decision at the end of our work week.” “Why not do it then? We have three days of Steelers vs. Steelers work coming up this coming week.
After playing one series against Detroit (which resulted in a touchdown), Wilson—who has only attempted 12 passes this preseason—left the game. “It minimises the Steelers versus Steelers work when we started making decisions prior to the completion of that.” Wilson said. “We’ve got ample time to prepare for Atlanta and make whatever decisions or announcements regarding divisional labour or pecking orders and so forth and so we’ll do it at the end of the work week.”
Fields has had more extended playing time than Wilson this preseason, having played three series, led a scoring drive, and completed 19 of 27 passes. This should help Wilson’s chances of being selected for the starting job, as he has only started sporadically. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated on a recent SportsCenter appearance that “all signs continue to point to Wilson being the guy.” Fowler also mentioned that Wilson’s “command” of the offence in training camp had been “noticeably different” from his fellow Steelers quarterback since he returned from a calf injury, according to Bleacher Report.
The Broncos dismissed Wilson, who would still receive $85 million over the next two seasons from them, and he signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Pittsburgh. Conversely, Fields was acquired by Chicago for just a conditional sixth-round pick in 2021 after the team used their 11th overall pick on him.
Caleb Williams, the first overall pick chosen by Chicago in this year’s draft, would then start at quarterback. Fields was surpassed by Wilson in 2023 in the majority of significant passing metrics, such as completion % (66.4 vs. 61.4), passing yards per game (204.7 vs. 197.1), and throw touchdowns (26 vs. 16). But Fields brings another dimension to the game with his running, finishing the previous season with 657 yards and four touchdowns. On September 8, Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback—whoever that ends up being—will make his NFL debut against the Falcons.