Steelers’ Justin Fields to start preseason opener. Could QB1 job be in play?

When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Justin Fields in March, the only expectation they had for the former Chicago Bears quarterback was that he would compete.

The Steelers don’t need the 25-year-old Fields to be their new franchise quarterback, though a void remains three seasons after two-time Super Bowl winner Ben Roethlisberger retired. Instead, Fields is eager to learn behind Russell Wilson, while also pushing the nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion at the same time.

Fields will get his first chance to display his dynamic first-round talent when he starts the Steelers’ preseason opener Friday against Houston at Acrisure Stadium.

The coaches “want me to come out and be a leader to the team,” Fields said. “The biggest thing is being a leader for the offense and just carrying the guys.”

Wilson injured his calf on the day the Steelers reported to training camp. For the preseason opener, head coach Mike Tomlin opted to sit the veteran signal-caller, who has had a limited workload during practices at St. Vincent College.

“I’m just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get,” Fields said. “I know that if [Wilson] wasn’t hurt, I wouldn’t be in this position. These are opportunities for me, and I’m trying to take full advantage of it.”

Fields has flashed the talent that made the Bears draft the former Ohio State standout No. 11 overall in 2021. But he has also displayed occasional accuracy inconsistencies that played a part in the Bears’ decision to move on from Fields and draft Caleb Williams No. 1 overall this spring.

Tomlin is happy to have Fields in Pittsburgh.

“I think he just comes to compete every day,” Tomlin said. “He’s got an awesome competitive spirit. We’ve got a competitive environment and it seems like he’s enjoying it.”

Pittsburgh revamped its quarterback room in March, signing Wilson to the $1.21 million veterans’ minimum after he was released by Denver. Kenny Pickett, the team’s first-round pick in 2022, asked for a trade…

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Publish date : 2024-08-08 21:44:31

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