Steelers' Russell Wilson Is "Gonna Be Your Guy"; Would Be Stunning If Mike Tomlin Didn't Start Him Against Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced at his weekly press conference on Tuesday that quarterback Russell Wilson would finally take first-team reps during practice. The Steelers will welcome the New York Jets on Sunday night for a prime time game. While Tomlin did not definitively name Wilson the starting quarterback, this is the closest he's gotten all season. 

Wilson has been struggling with a calf injury since before training camp. This allowed Justin Fields to start, and he took the team to a 4-2 record. So far, his performance has been up and down. He has done well enough that many feel he should remain the starter. A huge part of Fields' advantage has been his legs. The win over the Las Vegas Raiders happened largely because Fields could pick up yardage where none existed otherwise. 

Tomlin did not surprise anyone by saying he would hold off on making a final decision until closer to game day. The fan base and the media are sharply divided about what is best for the team. The game against the Jets will be one of the toughest matchups they've had this season. It is easy to dismiss Fields' success against the Raiders as a side effect of how terrible they are on both sides of the ball. 

On the Joe Starkey Show on 93.7, The Fan, Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly from The Pat McAfee Show told host Joe Starkey he believes Tomlin will start Wilson against the Jets. 

"They just got on the field right now and they're working indoors because of some of the inclement weather, it's raining," shared Kaboly. "So I couldn't tell you who's taken first snaps yet, but I would be stunned if Russell Wilson's not your starter on Sunday. But I'm not dismissing the fact that Justin Fields will see a snap or two. But Russell's gonna be your guy."

When Wilson was first signed to the Steelers, Tomlin declared that he had "pole position" to be the starter. The Fields trade occurred shortly after, and there was speculation that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith would use him in "Slash packages" like the team did with Kordell Stewart. According to Kaboly, it is possible they will use Fields occasionally in situations where he's been highly successful with his legs. 

Wilson was active during the Week 6 game against the Raiders and was the backup for the first time. Wilson has been highly successful during his long NFL career, going to nine Pro Bowls and two Super Bowls, winning one. Kaboly believes that while he might not be as athletic as Fields, his strong arm and accuracy will greatly benefit him and the offense. 

Steelers' Quarterbacks Are Very Different On And Off The Field

Since arriving in Pittsburgh during the 2024 offseason, the two quarterbacks have taken very different approaches to establishing leadership within the team. Both of them seem to have won their fellow players over. 

Wilson is a louder, more boisterous leader. He has been described as a "rah-rah" type of cheerleader. He immediately started meeting and working out with his teammates. He also ingratiated himself to the city and the fans by attending other sporting events and supporting numerous charities. While his former Head Coach, Sean Payton, may have felt this was phony behavior, many in the Steel City have appreciated his positive attitude. 

Fields is naturally a bit quieter. He has also worked out with teammates and reports are that he initially respected Wilson's position as the starter. Then, when he moved into that role, he took a more active lead in working with the other guys on the team. A story was shared about him helping rookie Beanie Bishop, who's had some struggles this year, improve his reading of the offense. 

Do you agree Wilson will start this weekend? Click to comment below. 

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