feature-image

Getty

feature-image

Getty

The Steelers are  2-0 in the 2024 season so far with Justin Fields starting under center. And it seems Fields will start again. “Even if Russell Wilson is back?” Yes! Well, why change the system when it’s not broken right? And that is what Mike Tomlin echoed ahead of the game against the Chargers.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

Coach Tomlin isn’t one to dwell on “what-ifs.” When asked about Wilson’s status, he kept it simple: “We’re readying ourselves around Justin [Fields]. Hypotheticals are a waste of time.” Wilson will continue to be evaluated throughout the week but is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice yet.

ADVERTISEMENT

Now, Fields isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, but he’s playing smart football. No turnovers in 134 snaps? That’s what you want from a QB managing the game. Sure, just one touchdown drive in two games won’t get fans buzzing, but as long as the defense keeps shutting teams down—16 points allowed and five turnovers in two games—Pittsburgh’s in a good spot. Defense wins championships, after all, right?

Russell Wilson, meanwhile, remains in a limited role, still recovering from his calf injury. He’s not a full participant in practice yet, but there’s hope he’ll ramp up soon. Even so, it doesn’t seem like Tomlin’s in any rush to shake things up, especially not against the Chargers. That’s a little too soon for comfort.

ADVERTISEMENT

But with each passing week, the big question lingers: how long can Fields hold on to the starting job at Steel City? Wilson’s watching from the sidelines, but how much longer until the competition heats up? Russ has already had his thoughts clear on that.

ADVERTISEMENT

Russell Wilson’s return looms despite Justin Fields’ decent run!

Days before Week 2, Russell Wilson made his intentions clear. “Anybody who knows me knows I always want to play,” he said, hinting at a potential return against his former side, the Broncos. But, as eager as Wilson was to suit up, his calf had other plans. So, both he and Coach Tomlin decided to play it safe. Disappointing? Sure. But smart. “We must not crazy push it too bad,” Wilson admitted, though the fire to return was still burning.

Meanwhile, Justin Fields stepped in and calmed the waters under the center. In Week 1, Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards against the Falcons, and in Week 2, he followed up with 117 yards and a touchdown. Not flashy, but effective. Fields has kept the ship steady, leading the Steelers to a 2-0 start. For a backup QB, that’s a win in itself. Sometimes, managing the game without making mistakes is all you need.

Wilson isn’t rushing his comeback, though. “I think Coach and the trainers want to be smart,” he explained, hinting that if this were a playoff push, he’d be out there without hesitation. Right now, though, it’s all about patience. And patience, in the NFL, is a virtue not easily embraced—especially when you’re itching to get back in the game.

But here’s the real question: When the time comes, will Wilson reclaim his spot, or has Fields done enough to stay QB1? What do you think—stick with the vet or ride with the hot hand? We shall know what Mike Tomlin has planned, but let us know your thoughts till then.

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Syed Talib Haider

1,219 Articles

Syed Talib Haider is the NFL Editor at EssentiallySports with over five years of experience as a sports beat reporter. He began his journey at the outlet covering the NFL, steadily building a strong readership for his in-depth reporting on major events, most notably as a senior writer during Super Bowl LIX, where his coverage helped capture the immediacy and drama of the game. His work during that season led to his promotion to the editorial desk, where he now oversees NFL coverage and guides the outlet’s strategy.

Know more

Edited by

editor-image

Garima Yadav

ADVERTISEMENT