On the “First Take” show, the debate centered around whether the Pittsburgh Steelers’ two-quarterback system could be advantageous for both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The discussion arose as both players vie for the starting quarterback role. Despite a calf injury limiting his participation, Wilson is currently leading in the depth chart over Fields, as announced by Coach Mike Tomlin.
Coach Tomlin confirmed that Wilson, despite not playing in the upcoming preseason game against the Houston Texans, is still considered the starter. Fields will have the opportunity to showcase his skills as he and the first-team offense take the field for a few series. Tomlin emphasized that every practice and game serves as an audition for the players, with game performance holding more weight than practice.
In addition to Wilson, several key players, including T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, will also sit out the game due to various reasons. Tomlin reassured that despite Wilson’s limited practice time due to his injury, the competition for the starting quarterback position remains open. Wilson’s participation in recent drills has been minimal, but he managed to make a positive impression with some effective plays.
Fields has been capitalizing on his increased opportunities, showing strong performances and building chemistry with key receivers like George Pickens and Van Jefferson. Tomlin praised Fields for his competitive spirit and ability to adapt quickly, noting that his performance has been impressive given the circumstances.
The Steelers are also exploring potential trades to bolster their roster, including discussions with the San Francisco 49ers about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Tomlin remained tight-lipped about potential new additions, preferring to let speculation run its course. He also joked about the timing of early morning calls, adding a light-hearted touch to his interview.
