The Steelers have dug themselves into a deep hole this season when it comes to their quarterback situation, despite the team harboring a 4-2 record through its first six weeks.
So far, Justin Fields has started under center over veteran Russell Wilson. The former Seahawks Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowler has been dealing with a calf injury he aggravated in the preseason, but it’s anticipated he might get his first start Sunday against the Jets.
The nightcap would mark Wilson’s Pittsburgh debut against fellow Super Bowl champion and 10-time Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers. Questions remained after ambiguous answers from head coach Mike Tomlin regarding his final decision at the helm, but rumors of Wilson’s 2024 return grew thanks to a locker room interview given by Steelers receiver George Pickens on Friday.
Here’s everything to know about whether Wilson is starting this week, including how Pickens gave a starting quarterback clue after Tomlin’s “in-house” decree.
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Is Russell Wilson starting this week?
Though Tomlin mentioned he was ready to name a starter following Friday’s practice, he said he was going to “keep that in-house.”
“I thought [Wilson] was sharp. I thought Justin was sharp as well. I thought we had a highly productive week from both guys and from the unit as a whole,” he continued.
This came after the veteran was given first-team reps and spoke candidly on Thursday after training, saying he feels “more like” himself. Wilson also commended Fields, who just before said he didn’t think he “played good enough,” via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
“If I’m being real with myself, I think if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of who should be playing, who should not,” Fields said.
Wilson responded to his junior’s self-criticism, saying he “has done a great job” and he’s a “tremendous quarterback.”
“I’ve gone against him over the years,” Wilson added. “He’s a tremendous football player and a great teammate. I think more importantly for us as we continue to go on through the season, we want to get better and continue to grow. That’s always the goal every year.”
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Unfortunately for Fields, Pickens appeared to reveal a small clue as to which quarterback would earn the start Sunday.
After the admirable exchange between Wilson and Fields the day before, the Steelers’ leading receiver said he’s been “getting on the same page” as Wilson and throwing around after practice “more than usual.”
“You know, because this is his first start,” Pickens finished, adding more fuel to the already highly flammable Pittsburgh quarterback controversy fire.
George Pickens said he’s been putting in extra work with QB Russell Wilson after practice – more than usual – “because this is his first start.” pic.twitter.com/6rlQSBU8Hj
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 18, 2024
It’s unclear whether Pickens’ comment was the result of speculation, as has been consistent with most of the rumors this past week about Wilson and Fields, or whether he knew something the reporters and general public didn’t.
Now, it’s simply a matter of time before Tomlin reveals his eventual choice.
