Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly make decision on starting QB vs. Jets

Russell Wilson will be the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback in Week 7 against the New York Jets, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The decision has loomed large over the Steelers all week, with Justin Fields playing well for Pittsburgh on their way to a 4-2 start. However, Mike Tomlin and the franchise will reportedly be moving in a different direction on Sunday night, but Fields could still see the field at times, as well.

“The #Steelers are planning to start QB Russell Wilson on Sunday, as Wilson is finally healthy,” Rapoport posted on X. “Expect both QBs to play, but Wilson is expected to play the bulk of snaps. The presumptive starter in camp took first-team reps this week, per @TomPelissero and now slated to start.”

As Rapoport mentioned, Wilson took the first team reps in practice this week, and although Tomlin didn’t tip his hand on his plans at quarterback, George Pickens slipped up and seemed to confirm he’d be starting.

While the Steelers have played their cars close to the vest, the New York Jets have been preparing for everything, including a potential Fields package of plays in the red zone, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

“I got off my flight today, I texted somebody with the Jets – ‘Hey, are you preparing for Russell Wilson to start this [week], as well?’” Fowler said on SportsCenter Friday evening. “We just saw that video from our Brooke Pryor online with George Pickens saying Wilson’s likely starting. That’s certainly the expectation for the Jets, that’s been the expectation largely, internally with the Steelers all the week, although Mike Tomlin has not revealed his full plans. Russell has prepared to start. He’s taken the first team reps. You saw Pickens there, he could be unlocked a little bit. Wilson is not afraid to throw the deep ball.

“Now, what does this mean for Justin Fields? That’s key, because will he have a package? Could Mike Tomlin play two quarterbacks? I know the Jets have prepared for all scenarios, including Fields potentially having some sort of red-zone, third-down package. Perhaps, even though the Steelers have not tipped their hand, maybe there’s a way to get both of those quarterbacks on the field.”

Time will tell how Russell Wilson plays in Week 7, but it’s going to be a huge test for the veteran against the New York Jets. The game also has major AFC playoff implications, so a win is paramount for Mike Tomlin’s bunch.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this article.