ESPN: Steelers plan to get Justin Fields 'a lot of throws early on'

Russell Wilson is the Steelers’ starting quarterback, but don’t forget about Justin Fields getting his opportunities, so says ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

As Mike Tomlin previously said, Wilson is in the pole position of being the starting quarterback. For Fields, Pittsburgh is a fresh start but don’t think he’ll be relegated to the bench the entire time.

It sounds like Fields will get every shot to impress the Steelers’ coaching staff, according to Fowler.

“Pittsburgh Steelers, not really a quarterback battle because Russell Wilson has ‘pole position of the number one,’ spot according to head coach Mike Tomlin going into OTAs,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “But Justin Fields, expect him to get a lot of reps. The Steelers, I’m told they love to get their backup quarterbacks reps, sometimes the first team, second team, scout teams, they’re gonna move Fields all over to get him a lot of throws early on.”

Fields spent the first three seasons of his career in Chicago, throwing for 6,674 yards, rushing for 2,220 yards, and scoring 54 total touchdowns in a stretch where the Bears had a disappointing 16-35 record. Showing multiple flashes of being a high-potential, dual-threat quarterback, but not able to catch his stride and sustain success for the Bears.

“Oh my gosh man, I mean he oozes talent and potential,” Tomlin said. “He’s worn the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback, but still gets an opportunity to come into a community-like situation and learn from a guy that’s been doing it for over a decade. Man, there’s a lot of meat left on that bone and I’m just excited about working to be a part of extracting.”

Multiple reports have suggested that Fields will spend the season as Pittsburgh’s backup quarterback behind Wilson where he can develop around a 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl champion. But Tomlin revealed that’s not necessarily the case.

“No, we’re not resistant to competition, but as I’ve mentioned several times of late, I just think it’s appropriate to establish positioning as we get into this thing. And the term that I’ve used is Russell has pole position,” Tomlin said.

“And why do I use that term? Because during this time where we are not formally working, I just think it’s beneficial. His experience in the National Football League, his process has been honed and perfected,” Tomlin said about Wilson. “Talking about over a 12-month calendar, it’s not only good for him, it’s good for teams, it’s good for receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc. All the things that people really committed to winning do this time of the year, Russell has those resources, that structure. And so that’s why I say he has pole position.”

Kaiden Smith contributed to this report