It appears Justin Fields will be getting the start for the Pittsburgh Steelers for Sunday’s season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Justin Fields is expected to start against Atlanta as Russell Wilson continues to deal with calf tightness. Fields saw most of the first team reps in Friday’s practice while Wilson had little participation in practice, Rapoport noted.
The plan is for Wilson to work out tomorrow before the Steelers make a final decision, though Rapoport added that the nine-time Pro Bowler “wants to be healthy for” as many games as possible.
Last week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin announced that Wilson was the starting quarterback over Justin Fields. Pittsburgh’s season opener against the new-look Falcons goes at 1:00 p.m. EST at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Also Read: Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 Season Preview: Pittsburgh Aims For Success With New Quarterbacks
The Steelers completely rebuilt their quarterback room in the offseason, moving on from Kenny Pickett (traded to the Philadelphia Eagles), Mitch Trubisky (released) and Mason Rudolph (signed with the Tennessee Titans).
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After signing Wilson to the veteran’s minimum in free agency, the Steelers acquired Fields from the Chicago Bears for a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick that could become a fourth depending on his playing time.
In his final season with the Bears, Justin Fields completed 61.4 percent of his pass attempts for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions to go along with 657 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns.
Justin Fields Gets His Chance To Shine
With Wilson unlikely to play on Sunday, the 2021 first-round pick gets a golden opportunity to showcase himself as a capable starting quarterback. If Fields plays well against Atlanta, he might even retain the starting QB job for Week 2.
Fields wasn’t given the best supporting cast to work with in Chicago, but he’s playing under a future Hal of Fame head coach and a nice set of weapons led by George Pickens and Najee Harris. We’ll see how he fares against Atlanta if Wilson is unable to go.
Also Read: Russell Wilson Had His Heart Broken By Mike Tomlin Right After The Steelers Coach Named Him QB1
