It appears the time for the Pittsburgh Steelers to decide between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson could come as soon as this week.
During his media availability Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that Wilson is expected to be a full participant in practice on Wednesday, which would be his first full session since Sept. 4.
However, he also noted that Wilson will take reps with the second-team offense so as not to disrupt Fields' preparation for the upcoming game.
Per Joe Rutter of TribLive.com, Tomlin is planning on having Justin Fields start but added that the "door is ajar" for Wilson to at least be active as the No. 2 if he can show he's healthy.
Tomlin is planning to have Justin Fields start at quarterback and won't consider Russell Wilson an option until he can do multiple days of practice and show improved health with his calf
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) October 8, 2024
So, for now, it appears that Fields will start, even if Wilson is healthy enough to go. But if he's active as the No. 2 quarterback, Wilson could be called upon if Fields struggles.
The door is "ajar" for Russell Wilson to at least be the No. 2 quarterback on Sunday
— Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) October 8, 2024
It was once unthinkable for the Steelers to pull Fields upon Wilson's return after the team started out 3-0, but everything has changed with the Steelers having lost each their last two games.
Despite what Tomlin said, it wouldn't be shocking to see Pittsburgh make a change to Wilson before the ball is snapped on Sunday if he can make it through a full week of practices without any issues.
The Steelers' offense has struggled mightily this season, and while Fields hasn't been the biggest issue — the offensive line has been shoddy in pass protection and the rushing attack hasn't provided support — he hasn't lit the world on fire, either.
The Steelers have to at least see what they have in Wilson and make sure he isn't the better option at some point. That time could come this week.
