The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 with Justin Fields under center, but rumors say his starting time may be over.
Reports circulated on Tuesday that Russell Wilson would take on a first-team rep role this week, a clear indication he will start this weekend.
Wilson won the starting job over Fields in training camp, but a calf injury before the season opener kept him out.
Russell Wilson #3 appears with Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during a Pittsburgh Steelers OTA offseason workout at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Fields, who was traded by the Chicago Bears, then got a second chance and he delivered. The Steelers are tops in their division, largely due in part to their stellar defense, but Fields’ 66.3 completion percentage is a career high and he’s turned the ball over just twice.
Wilson brings more to the table in the passing game, but he also wasn’t released by the Denver Broncos before his extension even accidentally went into effect.
So with Pittsburgh’s success, Ben Roesthlisberger says if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
“I’m not thinking about taking him out of the game right now. I’m going to keep him in there. Even if he plays badly, I’m going to keep him in there,” Roethlisberger said recently . “Right now, they’re rolling…I think he’s playing well enough, he’s doing enough, especially with his feet, to make things happen, to create.”
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) runs for a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Las Vegas, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/David Becker)
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Roethlisberger was also impressed with Fields’ ability to extend plays and use his legs if needed.
“I thought he played well, it’s good to know what you have in reserve for Russ if you need him – I just think what you’re going to get from Russ is more presence in the pocket to throw the ball down the field. But you’re not going to extend the play like Justin did.”
Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday, almost immediately after those reports broke, that he was only considering Wilson to start this Sunday. He was listed as active for the first time this season last weekend, but was placed on the reserve list.
Fields has also rushed for 231 yards in his first six games, and while that’s a far cry from the 1,143 yards he ran for in 2022, he certainly hasn’t come at the expense of his teammates, which is all Pittsburgh could ask for.
Pittsburgh Steelers #3 Russell Wilson on the sideline during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
While playing for the Broncos in 2022 and 2023, Wilson started 11-19, completing 63.3% of his passes for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
The Steelers host the New York Jets on Sunday night, who have lost three straight but continue to keep Aaron Rodgers happy after trading for Davante Adams.
