Mike Garafolo: Russell Wilson has 'got to win the job' in Steelers' QB competition
After Russell Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin said he was in “pole position” to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback. That remained the case after the franchise acquired Justin Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears – but things could be shifting a bit.
Wilson missed the start of training camp with a calf injury, meaning Fields got reps with the 1s and got the start in last week’s preseason opener. The former Ohio State star appears to be opening some eyes with his new team, as well, and it’s leading to some questions about whether Wilson is still the likely starter.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the competition appears to be more open. Now, Wilson might have to prove he’s worth of the QB1 spot.
“Russell Wilson’s back on the field. … We got that part out of the way,” Garafolo said on The Insiders. “Now, he’s got to go win the job. I’m serious. He’s got to go win the job. Mike Tomlin always said that Wilson was in the ‘pole position.’ This is not an automatic thing.
“In the spring, he showed them some ups and downs, from what I gathered. The same kind of things we’re hearing about Justin Fields, I’m hearing about Russell Wilson. So now, he’s got to get out there, show it every day on the practice field and show it in the live games, as well.”
Fields had an up-and-down performance in his first preseason start with his new team, completing 5 of 6 passes for 57 yards. He got sacked twice and fumbled twice, but the reviews are still largely positive from the practice field. The sense is he continues to take coaching well and continues to improve, which could bode well for him to get more playing time this year.
As for the impact on Wilson, Garafolo indicated it’s no longer a guarantee he’ll get the starting nod. The competition will take a new turn as he returns from injury.
“This is still ultimately a competition, and one that he has to go – it’s not by default,” Garafolo said. “He’s got to go out and win this competition.”
The Steelers are currently getting ready for their second preseason game of the year against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday. Tomlin made it clear he expects Wilson to be able to play in that game, and it could be the latest twist in the quarterback competition in the Steel City.