Mike Tomlin is being tight-lipped about who will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night against the New York Jets. However, it’s not too hard to guess what might happen.
While Tomlin didn’t provide details on how Russell Wilson and Justin Fields shared snaps during practice on Wednesday, Wilson’s readiness and Tomlin mentioning that Wilson was “in consideration” to start for the first time this season likely means that, unless something unexpected happens, Wilson will make his debut for the Steelers in a primetime game against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.
Tomlin only said that the decision about the starter would be made “in-house,” but several players noted on Wednesday that Wilson and Fields — who has performed well to help Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start — split first-team reps.
The 35-year-old Wilson’s practice time has gradually increased in recent weeks as he recovers from a calf injury he suffered at the beginning of training camp and then aggravated a few days before the season opener against Atlanta.
Wilson was at the top of the depth chart when he got injured, and Fields never took his spot on that list, even though he played in Wilson’s place on game days.
Tomlin praised Fields for his performance during the first part of the season but noted that Wilson’s availability could change things in the quarterback room.
“We got a player with talent who hadn’t had an opportunity to play, so we’re going to potentially explore those things,” Tomlin said.
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum in March, had only one series during the preseason. Still, Tomlin highlighted Wilson’s experience and past success as reasons to believe it wouldn’t take long for him to shake off any rust from the longest inactive stretch of his 13-year career.
Wilson isn’t the only player who might return against the Jets. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith practiced on Wednesday and could be back after missing three games due to a groin injury.
“I’m feeling good, optimism is very, very high,” Highsmith said. “Just got to keep trending upwards, continue to feel better and keep getting better.”
The Steelers have faced many injuries at the linebacker position opposite star T.J. Watt. The team had Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal step in while Highsmith was out, but both players got hurt too. Herbig is out with a hamstring injury and was placed on injured reserve last week due to a neck injury.
Jeremiah Moon, who was claimed off waivers from Baltimore in February, played 45 snaps last week against the Raiders at outside linebacker and also blocked a punt on special teams, which impressed Highsmith.
“That blocked punt was huge,” Highsmith said. “It changed the game. We value that. Moon has been in the league a few years now. He knows what he’s doing. He did a great job coming in and stepping up.”
