After two seasons with Kenny Pickett as their starting QB, the Steelers decided to make a change this offseason. They traded Pickett to the Eagles and added two QBs to their roster. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are Pittsburgh’s top QBs in 2024. Head coach Mike Tomlin named Wilson the starting QB heading into the regular season.
But Wilson told the Steelers training staff he felt tightness in his calf earlier this week. That limited the 35-year-old to practice Thursday and sidelined him to start Friday. If Wilson isn’t ready to go Sunday, the Steelers will have no choice but to start Justin Fields. We’ll have to wait and see what the team reports before kickoff.
Would the Steelers be better off starting Justin Fields as their QB?
Steelers quarterback Justin Fields threw the ball during his personal time today, while Russell Wilson, who was limited yesterday with calf soreness, watched the game. pic.twitter.com/OhSUT73VTP
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 6, 2024
As expected, the Steelers gave veteran Russell Wilson the starting job. He will be entering his 13th professional season in 2024, his first with the Steelers. Wilson was released by the Broncos, who paid him $37 million to not play this season. The Pro Bowler’s time in Denver was a bust, and Wilson is trying to get back in Pittsburgh. Wilson reported a calf strain in practice this week. He could miss the first game against the Falcons this Sunday.
If Wilson can’t play in Week 1, Justin Fields is ready to step in. Fields has made 38 starts over three seasons with the Bears, going 10-28. His best season came in 2022, when he finished with 2,242 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The former first-round pick added 1,143 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Fields is a modern-day dual-threat QB who still has work to do to become a true passer. That’s one reason Wilson took the starting job this offseason. He has more NFL experience and is a better passer than Fields. The fourth-year pro could start this weekend if Russell Wilson is unable to play due to a call injury.
