The Pittsburgh Steelers started QB Justin Fields in Week 1 over Russell Wilson due to Wilson re-aggravating a calf injury, but if Fields leads the Steelers to a Week 2 win, he might win the job for a longer period of time. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin might ride the “hot hand” with Fields if he wins in Week 2.
If Fields can successfully execute the game plan, Rapoport said he might continue to start.
“If that happens, don’t be surprised if Tomlin continues to have Fields start, sources say, even if Wilson has recovered from his aggravated calf injury. It would not necessarily be a benching, but more of a continuation of what is working under center,” Rapoport wrote.
He compared it to the situation last season, where Mason Rudolph remained the starter over Kenny Pickett after performing well in Pickett’s absence due to injury.
At a minimum, it sounds like we can expect to see Fields in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers, with Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporting that Fields will play next week as well with Wilson still working his way back from injury. Rapoport doesn’t give a timeline on Fields starting, with the thought being that if he wins today, he could have the job until/if things start to go awry.
With the Steelers taking on the Broncos today at 4:25, there’s going to be added pressure on Fields to play well and attempt to potentially win the job for a longer period of time.
Per Rapoport, Wilson is getting closer to a return.
Even so, the Steelers are being extra cautious given this is the second time he’s injured his calf, and it doesn’t mean that he’ll be ready for next week against the Chargers. Regardless of how Fields performs today, he could be in the driver’s seat to start Pittsburgh’s home opener. A strong performance today though opens up the possibility to cement himself though, and Fields did a good job executing the game plan and avoiding mistakes and turnovers in Week 1.
Turnovers were the big concern with Fields, as he’s not as accurate as Wilson and had fumbling concerns, especially given the amount he runs the ball. But he was fine in that department in Week 1, and if he continues to not turn the ball over, he’s a weapon with his legs and could add an intriguing element to Pittsburgh’s offense as potentially their starter going forward.
