What’s happening behind the Steel curtains? The Pittsburgh Steelers have been under much scrutiny, as the HC, Mike Tomlin, hasn’t decided who will be his starting man at center. At least he keeps it close to his chest and is in no mood to announce it yet. However, after their final preseason game, many believe it’s clear who will get the nod to be the starting QB.

The Steelers quarterback roster saw an overhaul in the offseason. Veteran Russell Wilson was signed after the Denver Broncos released him and Justin Fields was then traded from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. But in the two pre-season games before their finale against the Detroit Lions, both players failed to make a clear case for being the starter QB in the new season.

But it appears we may finally have some idea of who will be Tomlin’s first choice in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons in two weeks’ time.

Against the Lions, Russell Wilson’s brief appearance—just 5 snaps before he was pulled— has made him the favorite to take the starting QB role in the new season. He 2-of-2 for 26 yards and led the team on a touchdown drive. His 32-yard completion to George Pickens can be called the highlight of the evening, once again demonstrating what he is capable of on his day.

His short time on the field and the fact that he looked comfortable and made no mistakes, have done him no harm in his cause and it led to many believing that the decision around the Steelers’ preferred QB choice is already made.

Pittsburgh correspondent for the Pat McAfee Show Mark Kaboly dropped a tweet: “Russell Wilson takes 5 snaps and is removed from the game. It sounds like a guy fighting to be QB1 to me. There never was a QB battle. Never.” Wilson’s 5 snaps were all Mike Tomlin needed to see, it seems. Though the Steelers lost to the Lions 24-17, It was QB3 who scored the first touchdown. 

Wilson was replaced by Fields after the 5th snap, who performed alright. Fields played the next few snaps and managed a scoring drive. He completed 3-of-4 in the air for 40 yards while also rushing twice for four yards. However, familiar failings once again caught up with him.

He fumbled on third down in his second drive and he finished the third drive by taking a sack. He took another sack and while the fumble may not have been entirely his fault, Fields did snap the ball before the center appeared to have called for it. This was something seen during the other two pre-season games as well.

This again begs the question: is he ready or the starting QB position is cemented by Wilson looking at his experience and the contentious 5 snaps play?

“We just needed results that are indicative of how we’ve worked,” said Tomlin after the game. He also explained why Wilson was replaced so soon.

“And so they were able to put together a score and drive and really just provided an opportunity to get Justin in there sooner, and so that’s why we did it.” HC further clarified that he will wait to announce the starting QB as of this moment. But by the looks of it, Wilson seems to be in the pole position to take up the job.

“This upcoming week we have three days of Steelers vs. Steelers work and why not do it then? We’ll make a decision at the end of our work week,” said Tomlin. A decision will have to be made and given how the pre-season has gone for the Steelers, the sooner they find some stability the better.

During the off-season, we saw Kenny Pickett traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, after starting 12 games last year.  Free agent Mitchell Trubisky, who started two games last season, signed with the Buffalo Bills. Mason Rudolph, who started the other three games, signed with the Tennessee Titans.

Wilson was signed and was believed to be in the pole position for the starting QB role, with Fields there to provide solid competition. Fields started the preseason opener against the Houston Texans and completed a 15-yard pass to George Pickens on the Steelers’ opening drive. But he fumbled a snap under center from Nick Herbig on the next play and the team lost five yards. Fields was also sacked on the third down by Danielle Hunter as the Steelers fell to the Texans 12-20.

Wilson started the next pre-season game against the Buffalo Bills and completed 8 of 10 passes for 47 yards but was sacked three times. Afterward, Tomlin highlighted that the team didn’t “do a good enough job of protecting the quarterback.” Wilson and Fields combined to complete 19 of 27 passes but went for only 139 yards as a second defeat followed.

Yet, it seems the third game, may have given enough indication of what Tomlin could go with at the start of the new season. With a mixed bag of performances by both players, the HC might be pushed to give the more established Wilson a start.

The actual test is yet to come and the big question is Who’s better—Wilson or Justin Fields?

Justin Fields vs Russell Wilson, is the veteran QB a done deal for starting QB?

The game against the Lions might have tipped the scales in Wilson’s favor, but there is another catch. Getting sacked often was one of his shortcomings at Denver. So even though he may be in line to start the season at the Steelers, will he be able to keep the position? If he struggles early on and the team is affected, how long does Tomlin give him before making a change?

Fields on the other hand has shown potential, though his tendency to hold the ball for too long, making fumbles and getting sacked often, do raise doubt.

Wilson’s resume is Hall of Fame material, no question. He’s a nine-time Pro Bowl pick, has a Super Bowl ring (and should’ve snagged a second!), and has been a fantasy football powerhouse, ranking in the top 10 QBs in each of his first nine NFL seasons. Back in 2017, he was the fantasy points king. 

Now, Justin Fields is a different story. Despite his raw talent, the young signal caller’s been hitting bumps in his first three seasons. He’s still shy of 3,000 passing yards and 20 TDs. No playoff games, no Pro Bowls. Pittsburgh’s bringing in both QBs and Wilson’s glittering career stats put him ahead in the pecking order. Coach Mike Tomlin hinted Wilson will start, given his proven track record.

But here’s the twist: for fantasy managers, Fields might be the better pick. Wilson, 35, looks to have hit his peak, especially after a few so-so seasons. Fields, just 25, has tons of upside with his rushing ability and dynamic play. 

While Russell Wilson’s experience is solid, Fields is a young talent with the potential to shake things up, especially in deeper leagues. Don’t write him off just yet.