via Getty
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
via Getty
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Russell Wilson #3 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Steelers are 2-0 in the 2024 season so far with Justin Fields starting under center. And it seems Fields will start again. “Even if Russell Wilson is back?” Yes! Well, why change the system when it’s not broken right? And that is what Mike Tomlin echoed ahead of the game against the Chargers.
Coach Tomlin isn’t one to dwell on “what-ifs.” When asked about Wilson’s status, he kept it simple: “We’re readying ourselves around Justin [Fields]. Hypotheticals are a waste of time.” Wilson will continue to be evaluated throughout the week but is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice yet.
Mike Tomlin is preparing for Justin Fields to once again be the #Steelers starting QB on Sunday vs. #Chargers.
“We’re readying ourselves around Justin [Fields]. We’ll stay in that mindset until something happens. Hypotheticals are a waste of time.”
Russell Wilson will… pic.twitter.com/BATDE1RKXm
— Steelers Update (@SteelersUpdate1) September 17, 2024
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Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 5
Do you think Russell Wilson should play against the Chargers despite his calf injury?
Yes, he's a warrior
No, he should rest
Only if he's 100
fit
Depends on the team's needs
Do you agree with Stephen A. Smith's harsh criticism of Bryce Young?
Absolutely
No way
Partially
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
Can Russell Wilson's return save the Broncos' season, or is it already too late?
Have an interesting take?
Who is to blame for the Eagles' loss to the Falcons?
Nick Sirianni
Saquon Barkley
The defense
Bad luck
Do you think Mike Williams' upbringing played a crucial role in his NFL success?
Absolutely
Somewhat
Not at all
Undecided
Now, Fields isn’t lighting up the scoreboard, but he’s playing smart football. No turnovers in 134 snaps? That’s what you want from a QB managing the game. Sure, just one touchdown drive in two games won’t get fans buzzing, but as long as the defense keeps shutting teams down—16 points allowed and five turnovers in two games—Pittsburgh’s in a good spot. Defense wins championships, after all, right?
Russell Wilson, meanwhile, remains in a limited role, still recovering from his calf injury. He’s not a full participant in practice yet, but there’s hope he’ll ramp up soon. Even so, it doesn’t seem like Tomlin’s in any rush to shake things up, especially not against the Chargers. That’s a little too soon for comfort.
But with each passing week, the big question lingers: how long can Fields hold on to the starting job at Steel City? Wilson’s watching from the sidelines, but how much longer until the competition heats up? Russ has already had his thoughts clear on that.
Russell Wilson’s return looms despite Justin Fields’ decent run!
Days before Week 2, Russell Wilson made his intentions clear. “Anybody who knows me knows I always want to play,” he said, hinting at a potential return against his former side, the Broncos. But, as eager as Wilson was to suit up, his calf had other plans. So, both he and Coach Tomlin decided to play it safe. Disappointing? Sure. But smart. “We must not crazy push it too bad,” Wilson admitted, though the fire to return was still burning.
Meanwhile, Justin Fields stepped in and calmed the waters under the center. In Week 1, Fields completed 17 of 23 passes for 156 yards against the Falcons, and in Week 2, he followed up with 117 yards and a touchdown. Not flashy, but effective. Fields has kept the ship steady, leading the Steelers to a 2-0 start. For a backup QB, that’s a win in itself. Sometimes, managing the game without making mistakes is all you need.
Wilson isn’t rushing his comeback, though. “I think Coach and the trainers want to be smart,” he explained, hinting that if this were a playoff push, he’d be out there without hesitation. Right now, though, it’s all about patience. And patience, in the NFL, is a virtue not easily embraced—especially when you’re itching to get back in the game.
But here’s the real question: When the time comes, will Wilson reclaim his spot, or has Fields done enough to stay QB1? What do you think—stick with the vet or ride with the hot hand? We shall know what Mike Tomlin has planned, but let us know your thoughts till then.
Debate
Can Russell Wilson's return save the Broncos' season, or is it already too late?