Mark Schlereth wants Steelers to start Justin Fields vs Broncos despite Russell Wilson's revenge game storyline
Russell Wilson will be playing a "revenge game" for the second time in as many seasons this coming Sunday, as the Pittsburgh Steelers visit his ex-team the Broncos in Denver. But former Broncos star Mark Schlereth has a bold suggestion: that Mike Tomlin avoid that narrative and stick with Justin Fields, who started in their win at the Atlanta Falcons due to Wilson's calf injury, instead.
He explained why on Tuesday's episode of his podcast The Stinkin Truth (starts at 31:21):
"The report I just read before we came on today is that right now they’re leaning toward Justin Fields in practice this week. You got a victory, and Justin Fields is a problem with running the ball, quarterback-designed runs, and all that stuff.
"My thought process on that is, you’re 1-0 with the guy—keep him. Keep him there. Now, if he struggles and you want to go back to Russ, fine... But right now, I think you keep the hand that just helped you win."
Fields, who arrived in Pittsburgh this offseason after three years with the Chicago Bears, completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards in the win over Atlanta. He also added 14 carries for 57 yards.
As Russell Wilson recovers from calf injury, Steelers HC Mike Tomlin looking to start Justin Fields again vs. Broncos
Russell Wilson may have won the intrateam battle with Justin Fields to be named the starter, but the calf injury he suffered has set him back.
Now, the 2021 first-round pick appears poised to start once again over Russell Wilson, who is still recovering from injury. Speaking of the situation, coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday:
"As I sit here today, we're preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that's the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time. Russell's hurt. He is not available to us, so as a general practice, I focus my energy on those that are available," Tomlin said per ESPN.
And even if Wilson proves healthy enough to be medically cleared to play again, he may still not get the nod:
"That's a big if. I'm not into the hypotheticals. As I mentioned, right now, he's not healthy. And so my time and attention is focusing on the readiness of Justin."
The Steelers-Broncos game kicks off at 4:25 PM ET/2:25 PM MT on CBS.