Hall of Fame TE bets Russell Wilson could lose starter role to Justin Fields at Steelers
Justin Fields or Russell Wilson as the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback this season? After the team got rid of their three active quarterbacks from last season, they added Fields (via trade) and Wilson (via free agency), with both of them battling for the starting spot.
Fields started the Steelers' preseason opener on Friday, completing 5-of-6 passes for 67 yards. Wilson didn't play due to a calf strain.
Former NFL players Shannon Sharper and Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson spoke about the Steelers' QB battle on their show, "Nightcap." Johnson thinks Wilson will be the starter for the year. Sharpe thinks Fields will eventually take over as the starter.
Here's the back-and-forth between Shannon Sharpe and Ocho Cinco:
Sharpe: So Russell will be the starting quarterback for the entire season of Pittsburgh?
Ochocinco: He will be the starting quarterback as long as he's playing efficient football and not turning the ball over, putting his team in harm’s way.
Sharpe: What guy loses his job that's playing efficient and not turning the ball?
Ochocinco: You want to bet?
Sharpe: Bet 250.
Ochocinco: I'm taking that bet
Sharpe: The bet that Justin Fields will start at some point this year.
Ochocinco: One thing you never do, you never bet against God's child. And Russell Wilson is one of God's children.
Sharpe: I ain’t betting against God’s children, I’m betting against you.
Ochocinco: You think Justin Fields gonna start over Russell Wilson, not over Jesus Santos Let's bet 250.
Shannon Sharpe is a former tight end, most notably known for playing with the Denver Broncos and is a member of Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Russell Wilson feels good recovering from his injury
Russell Wilson sustained a knee strain in training camp. He returned to the practice field on Aug. 6 and has felt good since his return.
Wilson said via TribLive's Chris Adamski:
"I'm feeling good. I'm ahead of schedule. I'm just staying the course," Wilson said. "I've been working every single day; even the days I was a little bit lighter in team [drills], I was doing all the fundamental work."
Wilson is expected to be active for Pittsburgh's second pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills. Mike Tomlin hasn't named a starter for the game.
Early rumblings out of Pittsburgh suggest that Wilson is the favorite to start this season, but Fields has been making his case the last couple of weeks.