Russell Wilson, Justin Fields update: Adam Schefter explains current Steelers QB conundrum

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the season with some questions at quarterback after signing both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason. Questions that were quickly answered when Wilson was sidelined with an injury entering Week 1 despite being named the starter heading into the season.

Since then Fields led the Steelers to three straight wins followed by two straight losses in their most recent games. And with with Wilson now returning to practice this week, many are curious what the future of the quarterback position looks like in Pittsburgh.

“I would say that Russell Wilson is lurking, Greeny,” NFL insider Adam Schefter told Get Up host Mike Greenberg on Thursday. “Now Justin Fields is preparing to start and Mike Tomlin has really not crowned him as the full time starter. And I think the feeling always has been as long as Justin Fields is playing well and they’re winning games, it’s hard to take him off field. But the Steelers now have lost two straight games.”

The Pittsburgh offense has struggled this season, particularly in the passing game where Fields has not excelled, pass catchers have failed to make plays, and the offensive line has struggled in protection. Potentially leaving room for the veteran to step in and shake things up for the Steelers’ offense.

“So what if they were to lose to the Raiders on Sunday? What if there were some struggles in this particular case?” Schefter asked. “Well, Russell Wilson is now practicing, practicing in full, yesterday was his first full practice since the season kicked off. So he’s ready to go and Mike Tomlin is leaving the door ajar, in his words, for Russell Wilson to be active on Sunday.”

“Well now what that means is he would be the backup quarterback, but he is within an arms length of Justin Fields,” he added. “And again, I think if Justin Fields is winning and he’s producing, no issues. But when they don’t win, it becomes a question.”

Fields brings a dynamic rushing element to the offense with 172 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns this season. While Wilson brings experience in the midst of his 13th season in the league and 204 starts in his career. As the Pittsburgh quarterback position will be fascinating to track moving forward this season.