Steelers Prepare Week 3 Strategy Featuring QB Justin Fields

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for another week with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback, as Russell Wilson continues to manage a lingering calf injury.

“We find ourselves in a similar situation as last week regarding Russ,” head coach Mike Tomlin stated on Tuesday. “As I sit here today, Russ is not set to fully participate in practice tomorrow, and we are preparing a plan that centers on Justin and his readiness.”

Last week, Wilson was a limited participant in practices and served as the emergency third quarterback during the victory against the Broncos. This injury, sustained prior to training camp while pushing a sled in a conditioning test, has kept him from fully practicing or playing in the first two games of the regular season.

“We’ll monitor Russ throughout the week, and if his level and quality of participation improve sufficiently, we’ll reevaluate,” Tomlin added. “For now, he’s not scheduled for full practice tomorrow, so we’re focusing our efforts on Justin, maintaining that mindset until things change. Speculating is just a distraction.”

Despite Wilson’s absence, Fields and the offense have led the Steelers to an impressive 2-0 start on the road, a feat the team hadn’t achieved since 1999. The offense has scored just one touchdown so far—a pass from Fields to tight end Darnell Washington—but Fields has shown impressive efficiency, completing a career-high 69.8% of his passes without throwing an interception or losing a fumble.

“It’s been really positive,” Tomlin remarked regarding Fields’ decision-making, “and I expect that level of performance.”

Fields is set to face a formidable challenge against the Los Angeles Chargers, a team that has allowed just 6.5 points per game, the lowest in the league through two weeks. In comparison, the Steelers’ defense is laden with talent, allowing only 8.0 points per game.

Tomlin noted that his relationship with Fields has strengthened through in-game experiences, providing him insights into Fields’ leadership style and ability to handle adversity.

“That relationship develops in the heat of competition,” Tomlin explained. “At one juncture during the game, I approached him and urged him to rally his teammates to clean up their performance for the win. I asked him to deliver that message in his own way, and that’s a key responsibility for any quarterback.”

However, Tomlin has dispelled any thoughts about Fields potentially solidifying his position as the long-term starter, stating that no decisions will be made until Wilson returns. The latest depth chart still lists Wilson as the starting quarterback, with Fields in the backup position.

“My stance on the depth chart hasn’t shifted,” Tomlin clarified. “It will remain the same until we see Russ back to health. After that, we will reassess. Until then, I won’t speculate on the situation. I’ve said this in numerous ways already.”

Source: local news agency