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Steelers make starter decision between ex-Bears’ Justin Fields, Russell Wilson originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Over this NFL offseason, former Bears quarterback Justin Fields has been fighting to become the Steelers starting signal caller over veteran Russell Wilson.
The Steelers decided on their starting quarterback on Wednesday, announcing Wilson as the starter.
Wilson has held the pole position this entire offseason to become the starter. A calf injury early in the Steelers’ preseason slate opened the door for Fields, who took first-team reps in preseason games and practice. But Fields didn’t prove enough to head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
This holds an impact for the Bears, who traded Fields to the Steelers for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick. Should Fields play 51% of snaps for the Steelers this season, their sixth-round pick will turn into a fourth-round pick. That’s quite a significant jump, but it doesn’t appear likely as Fields will start the season on the bench.
Tomlin assured the media during the preseason that the fight to be the Steelers’ starting signal caller is a competition.
“It very much is a competition,” Tomlin said Wednesday of the starting quarterback position. “What happens in the stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting because it’s more game-like.”
Fields quickly embraced his newfound competition since arriving in Pittsburgh. His competitive spirit shined, as Tomlin opted to compliment him for showing up every day ready to work.
“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. He’s doing a really good job of acclimating himself to it and his teammates and letting his talent show.”
In the preseason, Fields completed 19 out of 27 passes (70.4%) for 199 passing yards. He threw for zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. But watching the games, it’s evident…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/steelers-starter-decision-between-ex-180456059.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-08-28 18:04:56
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