The Pittsburgh Steelers have an interesting decision to make, and that is whether to start Justin Fields or Russell Wilson at quarterback. Wilson is healthy for the first time in the 2024 season, and he is officially able to play, despite being medically cleared two weeks ago. The two quarterbacks have had the fan base relatively divided, but Fields has done a good job through five starts of getting the team to a 3-2 record.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterbacks Justin Fields (#2) and Russell Wilson (#3) stretch on the field as the team gets ready to practice during Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Despite Fields starting the first five games of the season while Wilson was recovering from his calf injury, Wilson was never removed as the starting quarterback on the depth chart. This made it seem like whenever he returned to full health, he'd assume the starting role. He has been a full participant in practice this week while preparing for the Las Vegas Raiders, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced on Friday that Wilson will likely stay in the backup role.
"I thought he [Wilson] had a good week, he's proven his health, now it's just about knocking the rust off."
Wilson has been taking the majority of his snaps with the second-string offense this week. Tomlin announced this during his press conference on Tuesday, which was a strong sign that Fields would still be starting in Week 6. Tomlin was asked about if Wilson will be active on Sunday, and in what capacity.
"Yeah. He's probably going to be active as the number two quarterback. I like what I've seen out here, but again - health and rust are two different things. I thought he had a good week displaying his health, his ability to protect himself, now it's just the process of getting re-acclimated to the ball."
The veteran quarterback has many years under his belt in the NFL, but this will be the first time he has played in this offense. That takes time to get used to, especially when Wilson was able to practice basically the entire time the team was in Latrobe.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields working out during OTAs.
Steelers' Justin Fields Gets The Starting Nod For Week 6
Fields will be looking to bounce back in Las Vegas after two straight losses. It will be important for Fields to get the offense off to a strong start on Sunday, because slow first halves have been what has plagued the offense during their two losses. Fields has been responsible for five touchdowns in the second half of the last two games, but the offense has produced zero in the first half.
Nick Smith / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs with the football in Week 2 against Denver.
Fields has had a pretty decent fives games with Pittsburgh, but he will need some help from the rest of the offense on Sunday. The run game has struggled, so it will be important to get that part of the offense moving -- even with Fields as the primary ballcarrier. The Steelers have their biggest game of the season on Sunday as there is a big difference between 4-2 and 3-3. If Pittsburgh wants to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, it is crucial they take down the Raiders.
What do you think of Fields starting over Wilson? Let us know in the comments below!
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