Justin Fields likely to snag Steelers’ starting job from Russell Wilson mid-season: report
The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason as part of their overhaul of the offense. Coming off a season where Kenny Pickett's inconsistency led to him being benched, the Steelers are looking to start fresh.
Wilson was named the starting quarterback heading into the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer recently wrote that starting with Wilson was the best decision for the team. However, he also feels that Fields will get an opportunity to start at some point this season.
"If the coaches think it’s close, and they do, and there’s doubt with each guy, it’s logical to give yourself two shots at getting the most important position on the field right. It’s much easier, for obvious reasons, to go from Wilson to Fields at midseason than it would be the other way around."
Albert Breer also wrote that if Justin Fields was chosen as the starter for Week 1, it would have been a tough task to retain Russell Wilson on the roster. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback will get the first chance to lead the Steelers to success at the start of the season.
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin teased a Justin Fields appearance in Week 1
Just days after naming Russell Wilson the starting quarterback, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin shared a sneak peek at the game plan. Tomlin made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show and was asked about the preparations for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
It was then that he revealed that Justin Fields is likely to make an appearance at some point in the game.
“My friend Raheem Morris better be ready for a Justin Fields package. I’ll just say that.”
Mike Tomlin wouldn't give Rich Eisen any information about the role that Fields will play. The Super Bowl-winning coach said that the former first-round draft pick had 'too much talent' to be watching from the sidelines during the entire game.
Fields displayed his talent as a passer and a runner during his first training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It's unknown what type of plays the Steelers' new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has drawn up for the quarterback. But fans will be anxiously waiting to see the new look offense.