Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Mike Tomlin takes the Steelers back on the road this week with Pittsburgh attempting to start the regular season 2-0 for the first time since 2020.
As of Tuesday, Tomlin said Pittsburgh’s game plan involves Justin Fields starting at quarterback with Russell Wilson not yet 100 percent with a calf injury.
“As I sit here today, we’re preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback,” Tomlin said. “Russ is not scheduled to work in totality (Wednesday).”
Until proven otherwise, Wilson would make his return to Denver as an observer. The Broncos released Wilson in March despite a salary cap hit of more than $80 million over the next two seasons.
Tomlin said he will only consider players that are available and, at the moment, he plans to invest in preparation with Fields until Wilson is able to be a full participant in practice. If Wilson gets back to practice this week, the quarterback pecking order is subject to change, according to Tomlin.
“I’m not going to soothe you with hypotheticals. I am unmoved by some of those narratives to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said of whether Wilson is considered the QB1 when healthy.
Fields completed 73.3 percent of his passes (17 of 23) and did not commit a turnover to lead the Steelers to an 18-10 win at Atlanta in Week 1. Fields also had 57 yards on 14 carries.
“It’s good to be in the stadium with the guy. We certainly know a lot more about him after that,” Fields said.
He clicked with wide receiver George Pickens, who caught six passes for 85 yards, but Tomlin said Pittsburgh is wary of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II in a “very hostile environment” at Denver.
“He’s technically as sound as they come. I was at his pro day he was as pro-ready as any corner I’ve seen,” Tomlin said.
A “battery of movement” is scheduled for Wilson this week but Tomlin said he won’t talk about when and if Wilson could start over Fields depending on his practice status later in the week.
“The guys on the field are the guys that are making the plays,” Tomlin said when asked if Wilson was involved in communication with Fields on the sideline at Atlanta.
Tomlin described the Week 1 situation with Wilson as “quarterback instability” with a decision on the team’s starting quarterback going to gameday, when Wilson felt his calf issue would be too limiting.
“I just visited with him, he feels better today than he did over the weekend. Over the course of the week we’ll be analyzing whether he’s capable of protecting himself,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin confirmed punter Cam Johnston is out for the year with a “major knee injury.”
–Field Level Media
