The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a huge change at quarterback. Russell Wilson is finally healthy after being held out for the first six weeks with a calf injury he sustained in training camp.
More news: Steelers HC Mike Tomlin ‘Considering’ Wild Quarterback Change For Week 7
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had named Wilson the starter before his injury occurred, and Justin Fields was called in to start. So far, Wilson has led the Steelers to a 4-2 record.
Fields has also secured 1,106 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. He has also logged 231 yards on the ground with five touchdowns. Despite 10 touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 93.9, Fields is being benched for Wilson.
Instead of outwardly being upset at being benched despite playing good football, Fields has taken the blame for his play.
Justin Fields very candid today: “I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you.
“If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not.” pic.twitter.com/8eW7hH75f6
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 17, 2024
When speaking to reporters, Fields shouldered the blame and took the news on the chin.
“I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you. If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not,” Fields said.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 13: Justin Fields #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms-up prior to a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Steelers QB Justin Fields took the blame for being benched for Russell Wilson.
Candice Ward/Getty Images
This is exactly what teams want in a leader. Fields took the blame and stated that if he had played to the standard that he wanted and Tomlin wanted, he would still be the starter. However, a healthy Wilson is now taking over.
Tomlin stated that he would not be opposed to using both quarterbacks, but Wilson took the first-team reps in practice this week. Tomlin could still throw Fields into the game for designed run type of situations, like what the New Orleans Saints have done with Derek Carr and Taysom Hill.
Fields is the far more mobile quarterback, and with the Steelers’ offensive line not being the best, he is the better option in terms of being able to run and throw. Wilson is the planted food and ball thrower type of quarterback.
They both have strengths that could be utilized in a unique way, should Tomlin decide to use a quarterback tandem type of offense. However, it appears that Wilson will get his first full start on Sunday.
The good news is that the Steelers now have the best backup quarterback in the league. Should Wilson get hurt or not live up to expectations, Tomlin can easily make a switch and get Fields back out there.
Wilson is not a terrible quarterback by any means. Despite his falling out of favor with Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton at the end of 2023, Wilson still secured 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He could easily get the Steelers’ offense to a new level, and if he doesn’t — Fields will be waiting to jump back into action.
For more on the Steelers, head to Newsweek Sports.
