Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remained tight-lipped on October 16 about naming a starting quarterback for Week 7, stating that the decision “will remain in-house.” However, Tomlin’s stance on practice reps was more transparent. Left tackle Dan Moore revealed that Russell Wilson practiced with the first-team offense as the Steelers began preparing for their matchup against the New York Jets.
“Russell Wilson took first-team reps today, Dan Moore confirms,” reported Amanda Godsey of The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat on X (formerly Twitter).
Wilson has yet to play in any of the Steelers’ first six games this season. He was added to the active roster for the first time on October 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, serving as the team’s emergency third quarterback for the first five games due to a calf injury that limited his availability to emergency situations.
In Wilson’s absence, Justin Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record.
Russell Wilson Practices With Steelers First-Team Offense
It wasn’t surprising to see Wilson practice with the first-team offense on October 16. The day prior, Tomlin indicated that Wilson would likely practice with the top offense at some point during the week. With Wilson taking reps ahead of Fields, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero’s report that Wilson is “in line to make his season debut” in Week 7 appears accurate.
Tomlin declined to name a starting quarterback on October 15 but acknowledged that Wilson was healthy and “in consideration” to start. The Steelers are scheduled to host the Jets on Sunday night.
Wilson last saw game action during the team’s preseason finale but re-injured his calf before Week 1 and was not included on the active roster. The 35-year-old quarterback originally hurt his calf pushing a sled on July 26.
Could Justin Fields Play if Wilson Starts?
If Wilson starts, Fields would move to the bench, but that doesn’t mean he won’t see the field. Tomlin previously teased a package of plays for Fields when Wilson was expected to start in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. On October 15, Tomlin again suggested the possibility of using both Fields and Wilson in the game.
Fields has been a valuable asset for the Steelers due to his rushing ability. He ran for 59 yards and two touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s 32-19 victory over the Raiders in Week 6. However, Fields’ passing has been inconsistent. Despite posting a career-high completion percentage and only one interception, he’s recorded career lows in yards per attempt and yards per completion, contributing to the Steelers ranking 28th in passing yards per game.
Wilson’s veteran experience could potentially elevate the Steelers’ passing game, but there are trade-offs to consider. At 35, Wilson lacks the mobility that makes Fields a threat. Tomlin referred to Fields’ running ability as an “x-factor” on October 15.
Further complicating the situation, only Moore and left guard Isaac Seumalo are expected to start on the offensive line in Week 7. Tomlin is left with a decision between the quarterback who can make quicker decisions or the one with the legs to evade a fierce pass rush.
