NFL
Steelers QB: Will Mike Tomlin Start Russell Wilson In Week 7?
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Get to know Dan Girolamo betterPublished2 hours ago on October 18, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has an important decision to make at quarterback. Will he start Justin Fields or Russell Wilson for the Steelers against the New York Jets in Week 7?
Mike Tomlin Refuses To Name Starter Publicly
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin refuses to acknowledge the starting QB for Sunday pic.twitter.com/oGAdCRxTS0
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 18, 2024
After Friday’s practice, Tomlin said he’s ready to name a starter. However, he will do it privately, not publicly.
“I am, but I’m just going to keep that in house,” Tomlin said via Chris Adamski. “But I thought [Wilson] was sharp. I thought Justin [Fields] was sharp as well. I thought we had a highly productive week from both guys and from the unit as a whole.”
Is this pure gamesmanship from Tomlin, or can he not make a definitive decision? It’s unknown.
However, Steelers wide receiver George Pickens might have tipped Tomlin’s hand. About 30 minutes after Tomlin’s comments, Pickens spoke to the media and seemingly confirmed that Wilson will start on Sunday night against the Jets.
“Yeah, [we’ve been] getting on the same page after practice, throwing more than usual because this is his first start,” Pickens said (via Brooke Pryor) when asked if he’s been working with Wilson this week.
George Pickens said he’s been putting in extra work with QB Russell Wilson after practice – more than usual – “because this is his first start.” pic.twitter.com/6rlQSBU8Hj
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 18, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Situation
Steelers RB Najee Harris on what the offense gains if Russell Wilson is the one who starts on Sunday.
There’s a pause, then this is his answer. He shows a lot of love to Justin Fields.
“We got to actually game plan. I mean, you guys focus so much on one player, as if—it's all… pic.twitter.com/Lq4A76h3GP
— Amanda Godsey (@AmandaFGodsey) October 17, 2024
After training camp, Wilson was picked over Fields to start at quarterback to begin the season. However, Wilson suffered a calf injury in the days leading up to Week 1, and Fields became the starter.
Fields has started all six games this season, going 4-2 with 1,106 passing yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. Fields also rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns.
However, the Steelers’ offense ranks 26th in yards (298.3 yards/game), 28th in passing (166.8 yards/game), and 21st in points (20.7 points/game).
Wilson practiced fully for the second consecutive week and took first-team reps earlier this week.
Wilson has not played in a game since December 24, 2023, when he was a member of the Denver Broncos.
