“Here we go, Steelers, here we go!” The chant that usually echoes through Acrisure Stadium might soon be drowned out by whispers of a quarterback controversy. In a twist that could rival the ‘Immaculate Reception’ for drama, former NFL wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh has dropped a bombshell prediction that could send shockwaves through the Steel City.

“I can see Justin Fields start eight, nine games this season.” Houshmandzadeh said during his appearance today on ‘The Herd with Colin Cowherd’. The reason for this might be that Russell Wilson, who is considered the starting QB for the team and has been to the Pro Bowl nine times, is missing some of training camp due to a calf injury.

This forecast has a deeper meaning. He tried to paint an image of how quickly things can go wrong in an NFL locker room. “If you start losing games,” he began before adding, “guys will start talking and say, ‘I feel like Fields should be playing’. And then it’s just a snowball.” This could very well turn Pittsburgh’s quarterback conundrum into a real-life version of ‘Any Given Sunday.’

In his absence, Fields has made the most of his opportunities so far. Fields took 79 reps in comparison to Allen’s fifty-four over four days of training camp. However, He showed mixed results during this time. As Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot points out: “Wow moments with his arm downfield. Needing to clean things up on underneath throws.”

The numbers recount a saga of two quarterbacks who are still trying to establish themselves. In those first four practices, Fields completed twenty-eight of fifty-five passes (50.9%) for 283 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. It’s not good enough yet, but it’s definitely something to build on.

Fields himself seems aware of the task at hand. He said after training, “I felt like everybody’s excited and anxious to get back on the field. It was pretty good, then tomorrow work again and get better.” This matches Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo’s statement – “I think there’s a lot of talent there, but I think the coaches really have to work to get him stabilized, get his feet on the ground to turn him into a bona fide starting quarterback in the NFL.”

According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Wilson will return to practice on possibly Tuesday adding another twist to this unrolling drama.“Russell Wilson was in the ‘pole position’,” Tomlin previously said; however, ESPN’s Dan Graziano sees it as “more of a coin flip than most think.”

The complexities inside the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room could play a key role in solving this quarterback query. As Houshmandzadeh said, “In that division… it’s an uphill battle for the Steelers.” However, with Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson as divisional adversaries, the stakes are sky-high.

Can Russell Wilson win over the Steelers locker room?

How much Wilson is being absorbed into Steelers culture has more eyes on it than a replay review with the clock ticking to zero in a playoff game. Conversely, Wilson’s leadership approach might contradict Pittsburgh’s working-class attitude, as if Primanti Brothers sandwiched between vegan potlucks.

According to CBS Sports, Calvin Austin III gave some insight into how Wilson does things: “Russ doesn’t wanna do anything but to help the team and for our personal growth, too. He’s pushing you to be a better person and player.” It’s a sentiment that could either unite the team or create a divide deeper than the three rivers.

The financial aspect adds another wrinkle to this football soap opera. The Steelers signed Wilson for the league minimum, a move that Rich Eisen believes could tip the scales. “That is the only reason why this is a possibility in the realm of possibilities. There is no major financial commitment that would put a thumb on the scale,” Eisen said on his podcast.

This unique situation isn’t lost on NFL insiders. As ESPN’s Dan Graziano pointed out, “Pittsburgh isn’t financially committed to either guy in any significant way. The coaching staff has no prior attachment to either and no preconceived notions about either.” This clean slate could make for a truly open competition.

Despite the buzz around Fields, it’s worth noting that Wilson is coming off a solid 2023 season. He threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions, proving he’s still a serviceable No. 1 option, even if he’s no longer at his peak.

As the Steelers navigate these choppy waters, one thing is clear: this quarterback battle is shaping up to be more unpredictable than a trick play drawn up by Bill Cowher. Whether it’s Wilson or Fields who ultimately takes the reins, Steelers Nation is in for a season that could redefine the meaning of ‘Steel Curtain’ drama.