Russell Wilson logged his first full practice of the regular season today, moving Mike Tomlin toward an ultimate call on where his quarterback situation now stands.
The 13th-year veteran won this job out of the preseason, but Justin Fields had closed the gap after this Steelers offseason pointed to the more experienced player having a decisive advantage. Fields’ age, rushing ability and potential (along with Wilson’s Denver struggles) long made him a threat, regardless of the Pittsburgh party line. Now, the potential Hall of Famer is in danger of seeing a full-on demotion take place. The Steelers are set to start Fields on Sunday, and while Tomlin said he needs to see Wilson sustain health before revisiting his QB decision, he has lost considerable momentum.
Although the Broncos benched Wilson to close last season, the accomplished vet’s contract was at the root of that situation. No such issue exists now, and the Steelers are likely moving toward installing Fields as their starter. With this call approaching, ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano notes he has not received indications that Fields is on thin ice entering Week 6. The Steelers being fairly confident in their backup-turned-starter would create an interesting situation soon, as Wilson certainly did not sign with the team to operate in a reserve role.
Wilson beat out Matt Flynn as a rookie and never looked back, starting every Seahawks game until a 2021 finger injury forced him back to the sideline. No debate existed about Geno Smith‘s status at the time; Wilson immediately regained his job upon recovering. Wilson missed time in Denver due to injury, but Brett Rypien obviously never became a threat. Jarrett Stidham ultimately replaced Wilson, but the Broncos’ initial starter finished last season with 26 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.
Granted, Sean Payton did not exactly turn his starter loose as the Broncos mounted a five-game win streak last season; Wilson only eclipsed 200 passing yards in one of the team’s wins during that streak. Denver’s HC also dressed down Wilson publicly prior to the benching. QBR also slotted Wilson 21st last season. Being demoted for Fields would mark new territory for Wilson, who may well consider his options if this scenario unfolds.
The Steelers gave Wilson a no-trade clause, familiar for Wilson but not for most NFLers, and the veteran could look to be moved if he loses his job due to the calf injury that has slowed him on two occasions since training camp. Holding that clause, however, could lead to a Wilson release rather than a trade. That would give him freedom to choose a destination. Of course, it would also require the Steelers to bail on a player who would turn into important depth, as Wilson would be a far better backup option compared to Kyle Allen.
Fields sits 22nd in QBR and was at the helm for three Pittsburgh wins to start the season. He then dropped a 312-55 game in a loss to the Colts. The former Bears first-rounder has thrown five touchdown passes and one interception, though he struggled at points in a loss to the Cowboys. Fields has not submitted an open-and-shut case he should be the Steelers’ starter, especially after Wilson beat him out this summer, but he has long had supporters in the building. Expecting Fields to keep the job, Graziano adds many coaches and players have raved about the fourth-year player thus far.
It would surprise if the Steelers, considering the QB trouble they dealt with during Kenny Pickett‘s two seasons at the helm, would break up this pair so soon. Though, Tomlin’s “volunteers, not hostages” refrain could conceivably apply to his current QB situation soon. This is about to shift to a front-burner matter, as Wilson moves toward being active for the first time this season.
I’d guess Fields has safety until the record is .500 or injury, whichever comes first.
Now we can watch Fields celebrate this job security announcement by throwing 3 interceptions 🙂
He’s only thrown one pick in five games so far
Minus the age, is there much of a difference between the 2?
If Fields keeps playing and finishes the season taking over 50% of snaps, Steelers owe the Bears a 4th instead of 6th round pick. Small price to make the playoffs, but unnecessary price if they’re below .500.
He not in danger of losing the starting job……ok, then why we talking about it, of course he’s in danger, let’s see what Wilson can do first and then name your starter in a few weeks, Tomlin and the Steelers will still finish above .500, isn’t that the goal
Holy conundrum Batman!!!
A battered and young O line.
One good receiver but he’s pouting.
The rest are mediocre to bad.
Almost no running game.
Someone explain, given these circumstances, how Wilson will solve their problems rather than get crushed by them.
Pretty spot on assessment
You are right on 66…it would be a mistake to replace the kid..he’s been impressive..despite Tomlin’s stubborn offensive philosophy.
As someone who can see the future, let me just get this out of the way so people can stop wasting their time… Fields will lose his starting job after another pedestrian performance. Wilson will immediately re-injure himself and Fields will get his job back.
It’s…it’s like the future, but it’s the past!
I could use more convincing that baines is really psychic. The winning numbers for the next powerball lottery would do the trick.