With the NFL season starting, all eyes are on Justin Fields, who’s set to start against Atlanta. With Russell Wilson’s injury clouding the Steelers’ plans, Fields is ready to grab his chance and shine.

“It’s going to be cool going back home, especially the first game of the season playing back in my home state,” Fields asserted in a media interview for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 6, reflecting on his return to familiar turf. The QB’s calm demeanor and steady approach have become his trademarks. “I feel like I’ve always kind of been even-keeled. Some guys came up to me here and were like, ‘You’re just always so mellow and chill,’ but I feel like I’ve always just been like that. I never try to get too high and never try to get too low. Just try to stay humble and do my job.”

But the excitement around Justin Fields’ start comes with a twist. All eyes are on Russell Wilson’s tight right calf, which has been a problem since training camp. 

Fields, who joined the Steel City in March, has been the next man up in practice. Even with the chance to start, the Ohio State standout remains focused and grounded. “I have the same process every week because I learned my rookie year how fast things can change,” Fields shared. He flashed back to his rookie season surprise: “I remember my third game, Andy Dalton tweaked his knee, and right then and there, I was in. So, you know, I always prepare like I’m the starter.”

Justin Fields has kept that starter mindset, regardless of his role: “At the end of the day, my process, my preparedness is not changing, whether I’m the backup or whether I’m playing in the game.” His readiness shows just how dedicated and adaptable he is—key qualities for any backup QB.

With the season opener looming, the Steelers’ QB situation’s still up in the air. Fields is ready to shine, but Wilson’s ongoing calf issues might mix things up once again.

Russell Wilson’s calf tightness puts Steelers’ opener in flux 

Wilson’s calf is back in the spotlight, raising eyebrows about his availability for the Steelers’ season opener. On Thursday, he was limited in practice due to tightness in the same calf that took a hit earlier this summer.

Coach Mike Tomlin’s playing it safe, saying, “His calf got tight, so we wanted to exercise some precaution.” While Tomlin kept mum on when Wilson first reported the tightness, he promised further evaluation. The 35-year-old had initially planned to address the media Thursday but postponed to Friday due to this latest setback.

The injury saga began when Wilson strained his calf during a conditioning test before training camp. He was sidelined for 10 practices and missed the first preseason game. Although he returned to practice gradually, Wilson’s preseason was limited, playing in just six series across the final two games. 

Despite Russell Wilson feeling “great” and confident after his second preseason game, his calf issue reared its head again, keeping everyone guessing. Tomlin ain’t letting it shake up their game plan, though. “It really doesn’t [affect game-planning] at all, to be honest with you,” the Steelers’ HC asserted.

As the season opener against Atlanta approaches, Pittsburgh’s fixated on Wilson’s injury status. Whether he plays or not, this latest setback will stir things up and influence their game plan.