Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Russell Wilson cannot escape defensive pressure in the same way Justin Fields can as he ponders starting the veteran.
After being released by the Denver Broncos, Wilson signed a one-year deal with the AFC North franchise. However, Wilson’s availability was considerably limited during the offseason and preseason due to a calf injury, which allowed Fields crucial opportunities to lead the first-team offense.
In preseason, the offense, while far from perfect, appeared to strike a better rhythm with Fields at the helm than with Wilson. However, the veteran was named the starter for Week 1 by Tomlin before the lingering issue saw him continue to be sidelined while Fields began the season.
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The Steelers have had uninspiring quarterback play, but Fields has led the franchise to a 4-2 record through six weeks. The former first-round pick has thrown for 1,106 yards in 2024, tossing five touchdowns and an interception while adding 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Fields’ ability to escape pressure was on full display against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. He rushed 11 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns behind a flimsy offensive line, but his passing performance, while efficient and safe, was lacking; Fields threw 14 of 24 for just 154 yards.
Given the strength of the Steelers defense, the quarterback simply needs to avoid turnovers to give the AFC North franchise a good chance of victory. But the offense needs juice, and Tomlin suggested Wilson could be the key.
On Tuesday, Tomlin said Wilson is in consideration to be their starting quarterback versus the New York Jets on Sunday night. Fields would drop to the bench as the backup quarterback if the team makes the change.
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Justin Fields is 4-2 as a starter for the Steelers but could still be benched in favor of Russell WIlson (
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Fans could be concerned about Wilson behind the Steelers offensive line compared to the nifty Fields. When asked if Wilson has the ability to escape the rush in the way Fields did against the Raiders, Tomlin bluntly stated: “No, he does not.”
The Steelers are also missing three starting offensive linemen, which adds to the apprehension around any decision to insert Wilson into the lineup. Ultimately, Tomlin declared the “in-helmet perspective” is the best way for Wilson to knock the rust off and see how he reacts in the moment.
Wilson is under pressure to deliver. Last season, the 35-year-old had a passer rating of 98.0 with 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 15 games in Denver.
However, Sean Payton’s Broncos were so desperate to replace Wilson that the franchise willingly ate the $39 million owed to the quarterback in 2024. The decision to cut Wilson allowed the Steelers to bring him in for the veteran minimum, leading to the competition with Fields.
The 4-2 Steelers take on the 2-4 Jets in their next game on Sunday, Oct. 20.
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