The Steelers are once again preparing for quarterback Justin Fields to start, coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday.
That’s good news for the Bears, who need Fields to play at least 51% of the Steelers’ snaps this season in order for their trade compensation to jump up from a sixth-round pick to a fourth-rounder in 2025.
Russell Wilson, who was the starter at the end of training camp but hurt his calf in the days before the Steelers’ season opener, will ramp up his work in practice. He’s yet to appear in a game this season. Tomlin told reporters Tuesday there was a “potential” for Fields’ play to secure him the starting job regardless of Wilson’s health.
“Play well, win,” he said.
Fields went 22-for-34 for 312 yards, one touchdown and a 104 passer rating in Sunday’s loss in Indianapolis. He was sacked four times, though, and fumbled a snap on the team’s last drive that led to the team facing second-and-22. They turned the ball over on downs and lost by three.
The 3-1 Steelers host the Cowboys on Sunday night.