The Steelers closed out their regular season on a low, exemplified by the frustrating 17-19 loss to the Bengals in Week 18. Now with four straight losses, and questionable play-calling by the coach, there’s no dearth of criticism being directed at Mike Tomlin. And among that is one important question lurking in the shadows: What does he make of Russell Wilson?

Despite the Steelers heading to the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, their QB’s performance has been underwhelming to say the least. On Saturday, the 36-year-old completed just 17 of 31 passes for a mere 148 yards, and 4.8 yards per attempt. As per Sports Illustrated, the last time the team ranked Top-10 in passing yards per game was in 2018, with QB Ben Roethlisberger. That number has slid to a measly 25th.

As for their run against the Bengals, the Steelers failed to stand up to the occasion in the first half, and Wilson completing just 4 of 8 passes for 45 yards. Though they devised a comeback in the final 10 minutes of the game, including a 19 yard TD pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth, Russell Wilson fell short of 220 passing yards for the fifth consecutive game, while throwing for just six total touchdowns during that time. Pretty dismal, wouldn’t you agree? With Justin Fields waiting patiently in the fray, a backup plan seems clear. But Mike Tomlin clearly doesn’t think so, it seems.

As the HC arrived for a post-game press conference, his energetic self before the game seemed amiss. Amid one-word answer to most questions, there was one question that garnered Tomlin’s interest. “Why stick with Russ, when the offense wasn’t able to move anything? Did you consider inserting Justin [Fields]?” a reporter asked.

Head coach Tomlin confirmed his decision to stick with Russell Wilson, despite the veteran’s ongoing struggles. “Not really, no. Our failures were collective,” Tomlin stated in the post-game press conference. “And, I just think, at this juncture, the most prudent thing for us to do is to stick with those that were on the field and work through it,” Tomlin said, hinting he doesn’t want to change the starters. This decision left many questioning the HC’s strategy.

Especially since backup Fields is available after recovering from an abdominal injury. Fans and analysts wonder if Fields could have provided the spark needed for an offense that stalled repeatedly in key moments. The Steelers’ offense looked significantly blunt. They managed only 12 passing attempts through the first three quarters. At the end of the first half, they failed to convert on third-and-one. This missed opportunity allowed the Bengals to extend their lead. Justin Fields, who had limited snaps this season, was a hot topic of conversation. And the noises have only risen after this defeat.

Fields showed potential in short-yardage situations earlier this year. He rushed for 289 yards with five TDs in 10 appearances this season. At one point, NFL safety-turned-ESPN analyst Ryan Clark even compared the 25-year-old to Pro Football Hall of famer Steve Young, after Fields led his team to three consecutive wins to start the season.

“Now he becomes one of the most scariest players in the National Football League. When you talk about that athlete now he’s becoming a better quarterback than athlete—when you’re thinking about it in the past, you’re thinking—I’m not saying he’s Steve Young, but it’s Steve Young. It took time to develop. And when you hit on these guys, you hit with a spectacular player. I always called him the future, because I thought this guy’s future was unbelievable and you know what? It looks like it’s going to be,” Clark said on ESPN’s Get Up in September last year.

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However, that reality was far from being realized as the QB followed up his hat trick with two losses against the Indianapolis Colts (24-17), and the Dallas Cowboys (17-20), with a combined three touchdowns and 443 passing yards. Then, on October 15 last year, he was demoted to being a backup again—following a win over the Las Vegas Raiders (32–13) where Fields completed 14-of-24 passes for 145 yards, with no turnovers and scoring two rushing TDs—when Wilson returned to play post his calf injury.

However, it’s not like the team’s performance tanked immediately after Wilson came back. He clinched four consecutive wins before handing the team their third loss of the season. But when it comes to the Bengals show, fans still believe Fields’ athleticism could have changed the narrative against Cincinnati’s defense.

The loss also marked Pittsburgh’s fourth straight defeat, dropping them to 10-7. And the team now heads into the playoffs with significant questions about its offensive strategy. Other teams are sorting their roster and starters to match their playoff aspirations. While the Steelers have found themselves at a crossroads. But is sticking with Wilson the right call?

Justin Fields sends a clear signal to Mike Tomlin

Justin Fields hasn’t seen consistent playing time but remains optimistic about his future with the Steelers. Sources close to Fields indicate he’s eager to contribute, even expressing a willingness to re-sign with the team. Despite his reduced role, Fields expressed his desire to stay with Pittsburgh. “I want to be here,” Fields told TribLive.

“I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This will be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to be back.” These were Fields’s words. He is evidently interested in making a comeback and is not looking for frequent changes anymore. This raises the stakes for Pittsburgh. Can they afford to keep sidelining a dynamic talent while their offense sputters?

Fans are vocal, demanding a change to avoid another postseason disappointment. Tomlin’s loyalty to Wilson contrasts with Fields’ potential. In three games earlier this season, Fields demonstrated his ability to shift momentum with his mobility. The lack of opportunities, however, leaves his role unclear.

Heading into the playoffs, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers face the Ravens. The game presents another test for Pittsburgh’s offense—and potentially, another opportunity for Fields to make his case. As Tomlin stated, “We’re in the single elimination tournament now. We better turn our attention to playing good football.”

Steelers fans are holding their breath. If the offense continues to falter, calls for a shakeup will only grow louder. Could Justin Fields be the answer they’re waiting for? With the playoffs looming, time is running out to find out.