Has the time finally come for a change in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback position? As the 2024 season started and Justin Fields took the stage, eventually leading the team to three wins in a row, many thought he might be the answer to the team’s QB dilemma. However, with two consecutive losses now, coach Mike Tomlin is ready to test both Fields and Russell Wilson. In addition to that, there is something else helping Wilson return from his calf injury.

In a recent episode of Sunday Night Football on NFL on NBC, Mike Florio and Michael Holley highlighted why it’s the perfect time for Russell Wilson to make a return. Despite giving up a close game, the Steelers lost their two matchups against the Colts and the Cowboys. However, that’s not the main issue! According to Holley, “Justin Fields just did not play well, didn’t play well, didn’t pass well and so if he had continued to do just a little bit of what we saw in the first couple of games, now we got an interesting conversation, maybe Mike Tomlin spins it around and goes to Fields. But I think he has no choice now. You got to go back to Russell Wilson because it seems like Fields is sliding back into some bad habits.” Bad old habits?

Yes! Fields has a bad habit of fumbling. As former head coach and now-analyst Herm Edwards pointed out earlier in the preseason games, Justin Fields’ sloppy offense includes, “Ball exchange, quarterback-center, holding the ball too long in the pocket at times. We saw this when he was in Chicago…He had some early completions, but at the end of the day, he kind of fell back to how he was playing in Chicago.” So, that is the same case here recently, when he fumbled 5 times in his 3-2 standings for the team.

This is why, in the broadcast show, Holley emphasized that Fields didn’t play well, missed key opportunities, and his struggles make it clear that the Steelers need to turn back to Russell Wilson.

Even Florio too highlighted that point. With a favorable schedule ahead, including a game against the Raiders, Florio feels it’s the perfect time for Wilson to return, get a few games in, and build momentum before facing tougher challenges later in the season.

Is Russell Wilson going to return in the next game?

Well, the answer could be yes, given one situation. After five weeks with Justin Fields leading the charge, head coach Mike Tomlin hinted on Tuesday that changes could be coming. For the first time this season, Russell Wilson is healthy enough to fully participate in practice. This could mean big things for Pittsburgh‘s quarterback situation.

On Fields’ part, he has done well, helping the team to a 3-2 record. He’s thrown for five touchdowns, run for three, and shown flashes of greatness. But he’s also fumbled five times, leaving some questions about his long-term role.

Hence, now, with Wilson stepping back into the mix, the pressure is on for both QBs. However, Tomlin has mentioned that they’ll keep Fields as the starter for now. But if Russell Wilson shows he’s ready, things could shift fast.

So, all in all, this week’s practices will be key in shaping what’s next for the Steelers. Will Wilson make his return as the leader on the field? Only time will tell, but for now, we can say that the door is definitely open.