Steelers coach Mike Tomlin would not say whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will start at quarterback against the Jets, but it’s the worst-kept secret in Pittsburgh.
Minutes after Tomlin talked to reporters Friday, wide receiver George Pickens, perhaps unwittingly, acknowledged that Wilson will start, when he told reporters that he has been working with Wilson “more than usual because it’s his first start.”
The decision is of import to the Bears, because the sixth-round draft pick they received from the Steelers in exchange for Fields will become a fourth-round pick if Fields plays 51% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps this season. Fields has played 100% of the offensive snaps (395 of 395) through six games and would need to start three more games to likely exceed the 51% threshold.
Wilson was expected to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback when he signed a one-year contract in free agency. But he injured his calf in the preseason and Fields became the starter.
Fields is 4-2 as a starter with career-highs in passer rating (93.9) and completion percentage (66.3) and a career-low sack percentage (9.1).
But while has been more efficient with the Steelers, he has not been all that productive. He has averaged 184.3 passing yards per game, with five touchdowns and one interception. Fields also has 55 carries for 231 yards (4.2) and five touchdowns.
The Steelers rank 21st in the NFL in scoring (20.7 points per game), 26th in total yards (298.3 per game) and 28th in passing yards (166.8).
Fields also seemed to acknowledge the change when he spoke to reporters Thursday.
“I don’t think I played good enough if I’m being real with you,” Fields said. “If I’m being real with myself, if I did play well enough, I don’t think there would be any sort of [question] who should be playing, who should not.”
It’s another tough break for Fields, who is 9-5 in his last 14 starts (including 5-3 with the Bears to finish last season), but has lost the starting job with the Bears last season and now with the Steelers.
“We got a few wins. Of course, I’m glad about that,” Fields said. “But there’s areas I can be better at. I’m just going to continue to work on those and continue to get better.”