Russell Wilson starting vs. Jets: NFL insider addresses controversial decision within Steelers organization

The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) are starting Russell Wilson under center in Sunday’s Week 7 home contest against the New York Jets (2-4), a decision which was reportedly not unanimous within the organization.

According to Jeff Darlington of ESPN, head coach Mike Tomlin made the call to go with Wilson over Justin Fields this week, despite others wondering “whether Fields should remain the starter.”

“But let me just be clear, this was not a decision that was met with unanimous approval within the Steelers’ organization,” Darlington said Sunday, via Steelers Depot. “This was Mike Tomlin’s decision and some wondered whether Justin Fields should remain the starter. What Tomlin is telling these people, players and coaches, privately, he’s basically saying, I want to find out now what we have in Russell Wilson.”

Jay Glazer of FOX Sports said on the network’s pregame show that he spoke with Tomlin Saturday night. Tomlin told Glazer “I went lone ranger” in making the decision to insert Wilson into the starting lineup.

Steelers going with Russell Wilson over Justin Fields in Week 7

Fields has gotten the start under center for the first six games this season, but with Wilson fully healthy from the calf injury he sustained on the eve of training camp, he has taken first-team reps in practice this week.

The offense has largely struggled as a whole, despite Fields showing improvement from his time with the Chicago Bears (4-2). Pittsburgh has the No. 26 ranked offense in the NFL, averaging just 298.3 yards per game. The defense has led the way, surrendering only 14.3 points per game. Fields has thrown for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and one interception on 66.3% passing. His legs have bailed out the Steelers at times, as he has rushed for 231 yards and five scores.

Wilson was named the starter over Fields before reaggravating his calf injury days before the season opener, and Tomlin clearly wants to see how the offense will perform with the 35-year-old running the show.

Wilson, who was active for the first time this season in Week 6, prepared all week as if he would be the starter.

“I’m more myself physically, being up and running and all that stuff, so I feel good,” Wilson said Thursday. “… You want to be able to move around. And obviously I’ve never really missed games before, so that’s been a challenge in itself. It’s been disappointing, but also, I’ve grown a lot, too. I think that you realize that you just continue to love every day.

“You continue to find ways to lead, you continue to find ways to just embrace the challenges, the hard stuff, the obstacles in our way and everything else. And you look forward to the journey.”