Concern Grows For Justin Fields After Steelers’ Russell Wilson Decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers went from having one of the weakest quarterback rooms in the NFL in 2023, with Kenny Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky, to having two solid options in Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in 2024.
Wilson was believed to be the starter heading into the 2024-25 season with the Steelers, after signing a one-year deal in the offseason. But, Wilson suffered a calf injury just before the season, which has had him sidelined.
Since he’s been on the sideline for Pittsburgh, Fields has led the team to a 3-2 record. They started the year 3-0, with wins against the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers, however, they’ve now lost two straight, falling to the Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts.
In the midst of back-to-back losses for the Steelers, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that Pittsburgh has taken Wilson off of the injury list, deeming him an active player on the roster.
The news from Schefter led to a frenzy online, with many fans concerned that the Steelers will soon bench Fields.
“Justin Fields and Najee Harris are simultaneously on the clock,” said one fan.
“But I want to see him,” said another fan.
“Yes.” commented one fan.
“Yeah he likely loses it in this game,” said one fan.
“If we don’t win this week he’s losing it,” said another fan.
“If they lose again this week,” said another fan.
“He’s coming,” said one fan.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin mentioned that Fields will be the starter in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, giving Wilson a chance to ease back into playing form.
Tomlin also mentioned that Wilson will be the team’s No. 2 quarterback, pushing current backup, Kyle Allen, to the No. 3 slot.
While Fields will be the starter in Week 6, fans believe if he leads the Steelers into a three-game losing streak, Tomlin and the coaching staff will decide to bench the former first-round pick.
After being traded to the Steelers in the offseason from the Chicago Bears, Fields has posted five touchdowns and 961 yards with a 67.6 completion percentage through five games in Pittsburgh.
He’s also been a solid threat in the Steelers’ ground game, recording three rushing touchdowns and 172 yards.
In his final year with the Bears, 2023-24, Fields posted 16 touchdowns and a career-high 2,562 yards in the air and four touchdowns and 657 yards on the ground.