Despite leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a promising 4-2 start, it sounds like quarterback Justin Fields may be shown the bench in favor of a returning Russell Wilson.
Before the regular season, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named Wilson the starting quarterback over Justin Fields. But a calf injury sidelined the 35-year-old quarterback for Pittsburgh’s first six games, prompting Tomlin to put the 2021 first-round pick behind center.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday that Wilson is getting the first-team reps in practice ahead of Week 7 against the New York Jets, a clear-cut indicator that he’ll star over Fields.
Following the news that Wilson may replace him behind center, Justin Fields posted a heartwarming and inspirational quote on his Instagram story that reads, “Your “normal” day is someone else’s dream, so be thankful everyday.”
Justin Fields on his IG story. Spoken like a true leader. 😤 pic.twitter.com/YJ1YuFmNOy
— Portersburgh (@PortersBurgh) October 15, 2024
Fields’ stats over Pittsburgh’s first six games aren’t eye-popping, but teams rarely bench a quarterback when they’re winning. The 25-year-old has completed 66.3 percent of his pass attempts for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and only one interception to go along with 231 rushing yards and five rushing scores.
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.
Pittsburgh is 4-2 with Justin Fields. But Wilson’s calf is fully healed and now he gets his shot. pic.twitter.com/vrhgo7LfgO
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 15, 2024
Needless to say, it’s a good problem for Tomlin and the Steelers to have. There are two quality starting quarterbacks on this roster. If Wilson takes over the starting duties and plays well enough to keep Fields on the bench, the Steelers won’t complain.
Justin Fields Has Proven He’s A Starting QB In This League
Fields flashed as a rushing quarterback with the Chicago Bears, but he never showed consistency as a passer. But he joined a good situation in Pittsburgh and showed that he’s a winner and stating-caliber QB with the right team.
Chicago never put Fields in a good position to succeed like Pittsburgh has this season. Even if Wilson plays every snap from here on out, Fields showed the Steelers and 30 other teams that he has the potential to be a long-term solution at the game’s most important position.
