Although Wilson was expected to be the starter from the moment he joined the Steelers shortly after free agency began in March, Tomlin took until last week to officially name him as the starter.
This was to acknowledge the progress Fields made after being traded from Chicago just days after Wilson signed with Pittsburgh.
Wilson’s injury in training camp gave Fields the chance to practice with the starting team. When asked if the uncertainty about Wilson affects his approach, Fields seemed indifferent.
“I always prepare like I’m a starter,” Fields said. “You just never know what can happen.”
Fields was a rookie in Chicago in 2021, backing up Andy Dalton when Dalton got injured in Week 3. This unexpected chance led Fields to become the starter, beginning a challenging three seasons with the Bears that ended with his trade to Pittsburgh.
At 25 years old, Fields has learned to handle the ups and downs of being an NFL quarterback, especially for a high-profile team.
“You really can’t ride the wave of emotions,” he said. “You’ve got to keep feelings out of it. My job is to be the best player I can be for this team.
So, whether that’s starting, whether that’s being a backup … my job is to be here for the team and do whatever I can to make us successful.”
Fields mentioned that the game plan remains the same regardless of who the quarterback is, though his ability to run would offer a different option than Wilson, who is in his 13th season. Smith regularly talks to each quarterback about their preferences, and this practice continues for Fields while he is the backup.
“Arthur, he’s been in multiple offenses,” Fields said. “He’s played with different style quarterbacks, quarterbacks that can run, quarterbacks that aren’t so great with their legs. So it’s more about the play calling and how he adjusts it for us.”
Although Wilson was expected to be the starter from the moment he joined the Steelers shortly after free agency began in March, Tomlin took until last week to officially name him as the starter.
This was to acknowledge the progress Fields made after being traded from Chicago just days after Wilson signed with Pittsburgh.
Wilson’s injury in training camp gave Fields the chance to practice with the starting team. When asked if the uncertainty about Wilson affects his approach, Fields seemed indifferent.
“I always prepare like I’m a starter,” Fields said. “You just never know what can happen.”
Fields was a rookie in Chicago in 2021, backing up Andy Dalton when Dalton got injured in Week 3. This unexpected chance led Fields to become the starter, beginning a challenging three seasons with the Bears that ended with his trade to Pittsburgh.
At 25 years old, Fields has learned to handle the ups and downs of being an NFL quarterback, especially for a high-profile team.
“You really can’t ride the wave of emotions,” he said. “You’ve got to keep feelings out of it. My job is to be the best player I can be for this team. So, whether that’s starting, whether that’s being a backup … my job is to be here for the team and do whatever I can to make us successful.”
Fields mentioned that the game plan remains the same regardless of who the quarterback is, though his ability to run would offer a different option than Wilson, who is in his 13th season.
Smith regularly talks to each quarterback about their preferences, and this practice continues for Fields while he is the backup.
“Arthur, he’s been in multiple offenses,” Fields said. “He’s played with different style quarterbacks, quarterbacks that can run, quarterbacks that aren’t so great with their legs. So it’s more about the play calling and how he adjusts it for us.”
