The Pittsburgh Steelers’ latest depth chart revealed that Russell Wilson is indeed the starting quarterback over Justin Fields. Pittsburgh’s Head Coach Mike Tomlin was very clear that there is still a quarterback competition in the Steel City, however. Wilson still has the upper hand despite missing out on live reps for the first few practices of training camp while he dealt with a minor calf injury. Both Wilson and Fields are veteran quarterbacks that have had success earlier in their careers and are seeking career revival in Pittsburgh.
While Wilson was dealing with his calf injury, Fields got a big opportunity to prove himself with the first team offense. Fields started off a bit slow, but got more comfortable and started playing much better as the Steelers got deeper into camp. While only one of the two quarterbacks will be named the team’s Week 1 starter, they will surely both make the 53-man roster barring something extremely unexpected happening. Veteran quarterback Kyle Allen is expected to round out the quarterback room as the team’s third string quarterback.
Allen’s job isn’t necessarily a guarantee, but as of right now, he would make the roster. Allen might be third on the quarterback depth chart, but there’s a fourth quarterback on the roster that might give Allen a run for his money. In a post practice interview, Wilson said that he’s confident in undrafted rookie John Rhys Plumlee out of the University of Central Florida. Plumlee is expected to see his first NFL action in the Steelers’ first preseason game against the Houston Texans.
“J.R. [John Rhys Plumlee], he’s a savvy young rookie. The thing about J.R., he’s played so many sports. He’s a guy that’s played in high level competition. Obviously at quarterback in college, but also obviously playing baseball too. There’s nothing too big for him, he’ll do a great job.”
Both Plumlee and Wilson are incredible athletes. Plumlee played baseball in college and Wilson was drafted to the MLB twice (once in 2007 by the Baltimore Orioles in the 41st round, and again in 2010 by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round). Wilson obviously elected to play football professionally instead of baseball, and Plumlee is doing the same with hopes that he can stick around in the NFL.
Steelers Quarterback Plumlee Will Have To Have A Great Preseason To Make The Roster
Allen is a veteran with starting experience in the NFL, which is pretty tough to find in your third string quarterback. He has gone 7-12 in 19 starts as an NFL quarterback — the Steelers pretty much know what kind of player they’re getting, where Plumlee is a bit of a wild card. Plumlee is younger and a better athlete than Allen, but professional experience and veteran presence from a third string quarterback is tough to pass up on.
Plumlee’s athleticism could be what gives him a shot to make the 53-man roster. He has taken reps on special teams as a returner and seems willing to do whatever the team asks him to do. He ideally would like to play quarterback in the NFL, but he understands that making the roster initially is what’s most important. It will be interesting to see if the Steelers give him any live game reps on special teams in the preseason and if that’s something that he can have a future in the NFL with.
Late last season, Pittsburgh had to rely on third string quarterback Mason Rudolph to help get Pittsburgh a playoff spot. Rudolph, who had previous starting experience with the Steelers, did well with his opportunity, but wasn’t brought back this offseason. Based on how last season played out, The Steelers might be more comfortable having Allen as the third string quarterback, but Plumlee shouldn’t be overlooked.
