NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers will give Russell Wilson first-team reps before their Week 7 game against the New York Jets. The Steelers have confidence in the one-time Super Bowl winner after he recovered from his calf injury.
However, while Wilson has solid credentials spanning his entire NFL career, football fans can’t help but question the move because of how Justin Fields has played to start the season. Through six games, Fields has 106 completions for 1,106 yards, five passing touchdowns, and one interception. The versatile quarterback also added 55 carries for 231 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
More importantly, Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, and their two losses against the Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys were by a total of six points. Performing this way should have earned Fields the starting role, even if Wilson is healthy.
Justin Fields very candid today: “I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) October 17, 2024
“If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of (question) who should be playing who should not.” pic.twitter.com/8eW7hH75f6
If Wilson becomes the starter, Steelers fans hope they’ll get the quarterback he once was with the Seattle Seahawks. In addition to winning Super Bowl XLVIII, Wilson has nine Pro Bowl and one All-Pro selection in ten seasons with the NFC West squad.
Meanwhile, the Jets will also be a tough challenge because they rank second in total yards allowed (273) and passing yards allowed (148.8) per game. It’s up to Wilson to figure out New York’s vaunted secondary featuring Sauce Gardner, D.J. Reed, and Michael Carter II.
-Lance Fernandez