The Pittsburgh Steelers finally return to preseason action this week as they host the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium on Friday. Though several starters will be suited up for game action, Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced on Wednesday that seven players will not play, including starting quarterback, Russell Wilson. Justin Fields will be the starter against Houston, but will remain the team’s backup quarterback on the overall depth chart.
Wilson has been nursing a calf injury since the beginning of training camp. Though he has had opportunities to get in work during individual drills over the past few practices, Fields has received the majority of the first team reps. The Steelers have been cautious with Wilson’s injury, and would rather have him healthy and ready to play in the regular season, than risk further injury in the preseason.
In a media scrum following Wednesday’s practice, Wilson spoke about his desire to be under center Friday against the Texans.
“I’ve been involved doing all the drills for the last seven or eight days. But to be there, in there with the full team drills, I feel great. Always (has a desire to play in the preseason). Anytime there is a chance to strap on the pads, it’s a blessing.”
Wilson has shown his passion for playing football since he joined the Steelers. He has worked hard in instilling a new culture in Pittsburgh, and has worked with other new players to get better for the upcoming season. Transforming the discussions and practices into live game reps sits at the top of Wilson’s mind. Getting back onto the field to play the game he loves and change the narrative surrounding him is great motivation to improve as well.
However, Wilson may be trying to get on the field for more than just the passion of the game. Everyday that Fields plays and Wilson doesn’t is a day closer to Wilson losing the job as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. What once was a steadfast approach of Wilson being the unquestioned starter, has changed to a true quarterback competition following Tomlin’s comments on Wednesday.
Tomlin has always believed that performance on the field stands above great performances in practice. Sitting key players isn’t a surprise for the Steelers in the preseason, but Wilson will need to focus on getting healthy and play during physical game action if he hopes to remain a starting NFL quarterback in 2024.
Steelers Brought In Wilson For A Reason
Since Fields has been receiving time with the Steelers’ first team offense, the crowd chanting for him to start has only gotten louder. Fields has a dynamic skill set that made him an intriguing prospect out of Ohio State, prompting the Chicago Bears to trade up and draft him with the 11th overall pick in 2021. After being utilized incorrectly in Chicago, Fields has shown the world that he has what it takes in Pittsburgh. It’ll be interesting to see what he does against real opponents against Houston, who announced they will be playing several starters in the contest.
Despite Fields’ success, it’s important to remember the reasons Wilson was brought to Pittsburgh in the first place. Fields, entering into the final year of his rookie contract, has struggled as an NFL starter posting an 11-29 record. Though there are several factors that go into winning or losing a game, Fields never did enough to elevate the offense, posting double digit interceptions in two of his first three seasons as a pro.
Wilson also comes in as a veteran quarterback who knows how to work both the media and a locker room. Potentially the biggest thing that Wilson and Fields do for each other is challenge one another. Both players not only enter a new team with very little experience with the city and team, but both players are getting arguably the first true competition in their professional careers at the position.
It’s easy to be drafted high and be given the job when the team around you has nothing to push you, but holding that job is the difficulty. Fields and Wilson will both be pushed to outperform each other, and make as few mistakes as possible. Competition can lead to the best in a player, and will give the Steelers true insight to the future of the position after 2024.
