It was only about a couple of weeks ago when Russell Wilson was hailed as quarterback 1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Because of him, the franchise was dreaming of their winning chances, including in the Super Bowl as well. However, his calf injury on July 24, during the team’s conditioning practice, hit the Steel City with a stress for the season.

But the Steelers were packed with another quarterback, who could support the team in need. Justin Fields came up and became the hero, as he led his team to win two back-to-back games by Week 2, against the Broncos and Falcons. So, does that mean coach Mike Tomlin will continue with Fields even if Wilson comes back?

Justin Fields can replace Russell Wilson for the rest of the season?

In a recent episode of NFL on ESPN on September 17, former NFL player Jeff Saturday joined the show virtually to discuss his take on Mike Tomlin’s comments about how he is handling the Steelers’ QB plans. Earlier Tomlin said, “Hypotheticals is a waste of our time,” and that they are heading with Justin Fields in the upcoming game. So, does that mean Russell Wilson’s stint is over with Pittsburgh without even the start? Well, the coach has kept things under wrap, and Jeff has been admiring this approach.

Saturday added, “Tomlin is looking for, if he’s looking for wins, they’re obviously 2 and 0. If they’re looking for yardage, for extended drives, all those kinds of things, but I do think Justin fields progressed from week one to week two. He threw the ball down the middle of the field. I think he was two of three down the middle of the field and he continues to give him [Tomlin] a chance to win now.”

Hence, it seems, if Tomlin wants wins, he would go with whatever is going at present. Fields is giving him the wins, and as per Saturday, Tomlin need not care for the team, at least for now. in addition to him, even ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky pointed out the similar tone, saying, “I’ve said this, I think Justin [Fields] should be their starter and I think they could beat basically anybody with him.”

So, is it likely that Russell Wilson’s career with the Steelers might be jeopardized, unless he comes back with more powerful plays than Fields? Well, for that, he needs a chance. And coach Tomlin is making sure to not be biased. This is evident in the statements of Saturday, who informed ESPN that Tomlin likely wants to see Wilson practice consistently before making a decision.

So, does that mean Mike Tomlin is not in the mood to take risks?

When Russell Wilson is expected to return?

The news is confirmed! Russell Wilson still isn’t ready to practice fully, so the Steelers are sticking with Justin Fields for now. Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed this by saying, “As I sit here today, Russ is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice [Wednesday]. We’re ready in a plan that features Justin and his readiness.” So, that means, Fields will be the starting quarterback again this Sunday against the Chargers.

It is also clear that in Tomlin’s head Russ is still the starting QB. Per fields after the game with Broncos. Tomlin gave the petty game ball to Russ. Showing in his head Russ still is the starting Qb.

Talking about the stats, in the last two games, Fields led the team to a 2-0 start, racking up 357 total yards and a touchdown and not a single turnover. Now this clearly has built confidence in Mike Tomlin that in the absence of Russell Wilson and even if he returns and doesn’t play as per expectations, Justin Fields will become their starter. However, till now the depth chart hasn’t been changed and Wilson is still the QB1. But the question which is troubling his fans is – when Russell Wilson is coming back? Well, the answer to this is, while Fields holds the fort for now, Wilson is reportedly expected to be back as the starter in Week 4 against the Colts.

And the Steelers are just making sure they’re ready for that next big step to launch Russell Wilson in the 2024 regular season.