The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off something the NFL didn’t think would be possible. The team signed former Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wison and traded for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
More news: Steelers News: GM Pushes Back Against Rumors That Justin Fields Is Struggling
Acquiring both Wilson and Fields catapulted the quarterback room from being one of the most questionable to one of the best situations in the league. Despite their struggles on previous teams, Wilson and Fields form one of the better starting/backup situations in the NFL.
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The issue has then become who is set to be named the starter. Wilson is the clear favorite, but his durability issues have come into question in recent seasons. Fields might be the current backup, but he has also been adamant about wanting to showcase his skillset in training camp and preseason to win the starting job.
It appears he has now been given that chance due to an injury to Wilson.
#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that QB Russell Wilson is dealing with a calf issue that he woke up with and he’s considered day-to-day. Justin Fields took the first-team reps.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2024
According to Ian Rapoport, “#Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that QB Russell Wilson is dealing with a calf issue that he woke up with and he’s considered day-to-day. Justin Fields took the first-team reps.”
Wilson is apparently dealing with some sort of calf issue that has led to him being held out of practice on Thursday. Though this calf issue might be minor, it can also lead to a favorable situation for Fields.
Coach Tomlin has made it clear that Wilson is the frontrunner for the starting job, but he is not going to hand him the job. Tomlin stated back in March that Wilson was in the “pole position” to win the starting job. That means he has the inside track on the job, but Fields could still come from behind and pass him, according to the analogy of racing.
Fields now has the chance to showcase how he will command the offense with Wilson being sidelined due to injury. Though training camp has only just begun, should Fields showcase some elite talent with the starters, Coach Tomlin might start to take a closer look.
Wilson is also 35 years old, and injuries might be more common for him than they would be for Fields. Fields is only 25 and at the start of his presumed long career.
Wilson is arguably the better quarterback, but Fields could easily show a more heightened ability to lead the offense. Should this happen, Tomlin might be more inclined to hand the starting job to the young quarterback.
It sounds like Wilson is dealing with a minimal injury, but there is still a lot of training camp and preseason left for Fields to come from behind and take over. This would be especially true if Wilson’s leg continues to keep him out of action.
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