The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been intriguing ever since they signed Russell Wilson and followed up with a trade for Justin Fields. There's been a lot of debate about which quarterback is the best fit to lead the team in 2024. Although Wilson was named the starter, a calf injury has kept him sidelined. In his absence, Fields has started all three games, helping guide Pittsburgh to a 3-0 start.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields talk while they get warmed up for camp.
Fields is expected to start in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. He has made the most of his opportunities during Wilson's injury, performing at a high level. Many analysts are beginning to believe that Fields should be named the full-time starter after leading the Steelers to an undefeated start.
Aditi Kinkhabwala, who has been closely following the situation between Wilson, Fields, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin, shared some interesting insights. Tomlin has not felt the need to officially name a starter, noting that Wilson's health remains a key factor. He has expressed admiration for both quarterbacks, but Kinkhabwala revealed on The PM Team w/ Poni & Mueller that Tomlin was particularly impressed when Fields mentioned he didn’t want to give up the starting job. Tomlin reportedly loved that competitive spirit.
"He [Fields] said that he does not want to give this position up," said Kinkhabwala. "He said it as clearly and cleanly as he could have, and Mike Tomlin loved it. Mike Tomlin said that's who he has been from day zero. His exact words to me were he [Fields] respects Russ [Wilson], but he does not bow down to Russ."
When the Steelers traded for Fields, they reportedly told him they wanted him to learn from Wilson. It seemed the team believed Wilson could help them win immediately, while Fields could develop into their long-term solution at quarterback.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin smiles with QB Justin Fields after he won the home run derby.
However, with Wilson sidelined due to a calf injury, Fields has had numerous opportunities to prove himself. He has capitalized on those chances, leading some to question whether Wilson will ever start in Pittsburgh again if Fields continues to win.
Fields has tremendous respect for Wilson, having modeled his game after him growing up. Now, sharing the same quarterback room, it’s been a dream come true for Fields. Yet, as a fierce competitor, he naturally wants to be the starter. It's a good dilemma for the Steelers to have, and Tomlin has expressed admiration for both Wilson and Fields.
During the 2023 season, Steelers fans watched as Kenny Pickett lost his starting job after an injury, with Mason Rudolph keeping the role during a winning streak. Now, many are wondering if a similar situation could unfold, with Fields potentially holding onto the job even after Wilson is healthy.
Steelers' Justin Fields Is Gaining Momentum In Pittsburgh
The Steelers seem to have two viable starting quarterbacks, and they'll face a tough decision once Wilson returns. In the meantime, excitement is building around Fields' performance. While he hasn’t put up MVP numbers, he’s been solid, making smart reads and decisions.
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Steelers' Justin Fields looks to pass in Pittsburgh's Week 1 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
When Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has allowed him to throw, Fields has impressed, completing 73.3% of his passes. His throws have been sharp, and while the offense hasn’t exploded, it has looked confident and in control. There's a genuine quarterback dilemma brewing in Pittsburgh.
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