Russell Wilson injury update: Mike Tomlin shares update on Steelers’ QB plan for Week 3 vs. Chargers
Coming into the 2024 campaign, Justin Fields was slated to be Russell Wilson’s backup, waiting for his second chance to start in the NFL.
As fate would have it, Wilson has been sidelined with an injury, putting a damper on his debut with the Steelers, but Fields has filled in admirably through two weeks, leading Pittsburgh to two wins. If Wilson can’t go again in Week 3, which it looks like might be the case, Mike Tomlin revealed on Tuesday that Fields would start again for the Steelers.
“#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says Justin Fields will liekly [sic] start on Sunday vs. the #Chargers, as long as Russell Wilson is still unable to go,” Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team posted on X. “Justin Fields is 2-0 as the starter so far.”
While the competition hasn’t exactly been stout, and he’s received a lot of help from his defense, Fields has been solid enough through two weeks that he’s certainly earned an opportunity to keep the train rolling for the Steelers. The Chargers might be a different animal, but if Fields can deliver them their first loss, who knows if Tomlin would be willing to send him back to the bench.
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Many fans and analysts are now clamoring for Fields to remain the starter, even if Wilson is healthy. While the veteran has a couple of years left, it seems, Fields could be the future of Pittsburgh, and Tomlin and company have a responsibility to figure it out.
“Look, nothing against Russell Wilson, because he’s not healthy right now. So, the decision is simple,” Rex Ryan said regarding the situation, believing Fields should start moving forward. “You know me, I’ve always called this guy the future, because I love the ability of this guy right here. But the future is a whole string of nows, and right now, he gets to play again, he gets to play again, and I thought, in the offseason, it’s the best trade, by far, during the season, for nothing. A sixth-round pick, which was absolutely crazy.
“Look, I get it, initially, when he came into the league, he’s a better athlete than he is a quarterback, so what? So was Steve Young, you know what I mean? So was Randall Cunningham. Guess what? They can get better. Those guys have a tendency to get better. If all of a sudden, this guy hits, you’re looking at a superstar.”
At the least, it looks like Justin Fields will have another opportunity to prove why he’s the future of the Steelers in Week 3. He’s done well so far, and there’s one way to keep Russell Wilson off the field when he’s finally healthy — just keep winning.