Steelers Anticipate Justin Fields as Starting QB, Amid Russell Wilson’s Increased Practice Participation

Even after Russell Wilson returns from his calf injury, Mike Tomlin may decide to remain with the hot hand at quarterback, but the Steelers coach stated on Tuesday that he isn’t ready to make that call just yet.

When asked if Wilson’s health is irrelevant to the starting quarterback choice because of Justin Fields’ performance through four games, Tomlin responded, “There’s a potential for that, but we’re not there, as I stand here today.”

Tomlin also indicated Fields’ success might eventually effect the Steelers’ approach to bringing Wilson back from injury.

“It potentially could, but it has not to this point,” stated Tomlin. The quantity of the ball in front of us and our current stage in the procedure serve as our guiding principles.

That has most likely been a major factor in how we have approached his rehabilitation.”

Mason Rudolph was the team’s hot hand in the latter part of the previous season, and Tomlin rode that, starting him in a string of games that had to be won as well as in the wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills — even after former first-round selection Kenny Pickett was declared healthy to play after having extensive ankle surgery.

Tomlin was direct when asked if Fields could do anything to demonstrate why he ought to continue starting. Tomlin said, “Play well, win.”

References and Citation

espn.com – Steelers preparing for Justin Fields to start as Russell Wilson ups activity

abcnews.go.com – Steelers preparing for Justin Fields to start as Russell Wilson ups activity

Post-Gazette.com – Russell Wilson closer to return, but Mike Tomlin still preparing Justin

NYTimes.com – Steelers preparing Justin Fields to start in Week 4, still ‘in the same place with Russ’