PITTSBURGH — After demonstrating his health and shaking off the rust during practice last week, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is being considered to start against the New York Jets on Sunday, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin stated that a decision between Wilson and Justin Fields as the starting quarterback will come “closer to game time.”
“I felt confident in his ability to show his health last week,” Tomlin said regarding Wilson. “Now it’s about getting rid of the rust. He is in consideration this week. We’ll see how things unfold. Both quarterbacks are scheduled to practice on Wednesday, and we will take it one day at a time, all aimed at positioning ourselves to win the game.”
Tomlin did not dismiss the idea of potentially using both quarterbacks during the game on Sunday night.
“Certainly, that is a possibility,” Tomlin remarked. “There could have been a scenario for that last week as well.”
Wilson, who completed a full week of practice for the first time since re-injuring himself on September 5, was active during the victory against the Las Vegas Raiders, while Fields made his sixth start of the season.
“He showed he can protect himself and move effectively within the pocket, which allowed us to execute our schemes without limitations,” Tomlin noted about Wilson’s practice performance. “Those prerequisites had to be met before we could seriously consider his abilities, and they were met last week.”
Throughout Wilson’s injury, Tomlin has consistently listed him as the starting QB on the depth chart, but he was vague about the practice plan for this week.
“I’m sure at some point he will get first-team reps,” Tomlin said when asked about practice distribution. “But I haven’t decided who will get the first snaps yet. Those details are still undecided.”
The Steelers hold a 4-2 record with Fields as the starting quarterback, including the recent win against the Raiders, where he rushed for two touchdowns. Fields has achieved five passing touchdowns, with just one interception and one fumble, completing a career-high 66.3% of his passes. However, his QBR ranks 20th among quarterbacks at 54.0, and the Steelers are 28th in passing yards per game and 20th in points scored.
“Justin has performed well, and we have certainly seen good moments, but I wouldn’t call it great,” Tomlin commented. “This league is competitive, and we want to become a top team. We have another talented player who has yet to showcase his skills, and we may look into this further.”
Tomlin emphasized that considerations for Wilson’s potential playing time do not diminish Fields’ contributions. “Justin has been a valuable asset; for example, last week he effectively used his legs both intentionally and spontaneously, which played a significant role. He rushed for over 50 yards and scored two touchdowns, and we value his ball management. However, we’re evaluating all our options at every position.”
Fields currently ranks fourth among quarterbacks in rushing yards with 231 and leads with five rushing touchdowns, marking the most by a Steelers quarterback since Kordell Stewart in 2001.
When asked if Wilson could match Fields’ rushing ability, Tomlin candidly responded, “No, he does not. Justin’s mobility is an advantage.”
So how might the offense shift with Wilson in as quarterback?
“We will have to wait and see,” Tomlin replied, “and that’s part of the interesting nature of this discussion.”