BREAKING: Steelers’ Justin Fields Delivers Strong 13-Word Message on Apparent Demotion to QB2
Many analysts have suggested that Justin Fields has performed well enough to keep his position as the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Fields disagrees.
On October 17, the 25-year-old quarterback told reporters that he hasn’t done enough during the season’s first six weeks to deserve staying on the field.
“I don’t think I’ve played well enough, to be honest,” Fields said, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “If I’m being real with myself, if I had played well, there wouldn’t be any questions about who should or shouldn’t be playing.
“We’ve had a few wins … but there are areas where I can improve, and I’ll just keep working to get better.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has not revealed who will start at quarterback in Week 7 against the New York Jets. On October 16, he stated that the decision “will remain in-house.”
However, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on October 15 that Russell Wilson was expected to make his season debut in Week 7. Steelers left tackle Dan Moore later confirmed that Wilson started practicing with the first-team offense at the beginning of the week.
Justin Fields Provides Mature Response to QB Drama
Tomlin faced a tough choice at quarterback following Week 6. While Justin Fields has been a key contributor to the Steelers’ run game, the team ranks 28th in passing yards per game with him at the helm.
If Russell Wilson does start, it will likely be an effort to reignite the Steelers’ downfield passing attack. Fields did connect with Calvin Austin III for a 55-yard touchdown in Week 3, and he has narrowly missed several deep shots to George Pickens. However, those near misses haven’t materialized into consistent big plays with Fields leading the offense. Despite a career-high 66.3% completion rate, Fields has shown inconsistency in targeting open receivers.
As Fields acknowledged, his performance leaves the door open for Wilson’s return. Based on Pelissero’s report and Wilson’s first-team practice reps, it appears Tomlin may be ready to go with Wilson against the Jets.
Fields Sees Very Positive Reaction to His Message
As Russell Wilson prepares to start this week, Justin Fields has received an outpouring of support from both the media and Steelers fans. Fields’ humble and mature response to seemingly losing his starting job only garnered him more admiration.
“Very impressive from Steelers QB Justin Fields. You just don’t hear many players talk like this,” Steelers insider Mark Kaboly noted.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport echoed that sentiment, saying, “This is why the guys in the locker room love Justin Fields. As real as it gets.”
‘First game of the year for me but been fortunate to be in a lot of first games’#Steelers Russell Wilson pic.twitter.com/Yfxscvec5I
— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) October 17, 2024
Former players also weighed in, with JJ Watt praising Fields on social media, writing, “Man, what an answer from a guy who is 4-2 and gave them a legitimate chance to be 5-1 right now. Poise, maturity, class. Hard not to be a fan.”
While there’s often a tendency to focus on weekly reactions in the NFL, Fields’ future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain but not over. Even if he doesn’t play in Week 7, there’s still a possibility he could return as the starter. Wilson has been managing a calf injury since late July, and there’s no guarantee he stays healthy.
Though Fields acknowledges he hasn’t played well enough to secure his spot, he performed well enough that if Wilson falters, head coach Mike Tomlin might quickly turn back to him. The quarterback debate in Pittsburgh isn’t likely to end after Week 7, and Fields seems prepared to keep improving for the long term.