The Pittsburgh Steelers made a concerted effort to leverage Justin Fields’ talents as their quarterback during Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns. Despite their strategy, the outcome didn’t swing in their favor, resulting in a 24-19 loss.

NFL insider Peter Schrager believes the Steelers’ use of Fields in that game could have lasting implications. During Good Morning Football on November 22, Schrager suggested a brewing quarterback debate in Pittsburgh between Fields and Russell Wilson.

Peter Schrager Thinks Steelers’ QB Situation Will Become ‘Quite A Conundrum’ With Justin Fields’ Involvement #Steelers #NFL #Pittsburgh https://t.co/VWbMDvEtSU

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 22, 2024

“They put Fields in, and he ran for the first down, and he threw that big incompletion on third-and-4, and he threw the long one,” Schrager explained, via Joe Clark of Steeler Depot. *”So it’s not like he’s not getting his opportunities. And I think this is gonna be quite a conundrum moving forward, this quarterback situation.

“For Russ to be yanked in and out of the game, in Baltimore too, it’s now become also is Russell Wilson our quarterback or is it that guy in the moments that matter most?”*

Fields only played seven offensive snaps in the matchup against Cleveland, accounting for 10% of the Steelers’ total offensive plays. However, he was deployed in critical situations.

In the first half, he handled a snap on a crucial fourth down. Later, during the fourth quarter, he was brought in for a second and third-down sequence as the team attempted to execute their 4-minute offense.

Fields ended the game with 26 rushing yards on three carries and one incomplete pass.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields: Pittsburgh’s ‘Two Starting QBs

The Steelers seem equally committed to both Wilson and Fields, a sentiment Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reiterated on November 19.

“I don’t view Justin [Fields] as a gadget guy. We have two starting quarterbacks,” Smith told reporters, as noted by PennLive.com’s Nick Farabaugh. “I still view Justin as a premium starter.”

Although Schrager didn’t directly reference Smith’s statement, it ties into the quarterback dilemma he highlighted. Fields isn’t being treated as just a gadget player, and his involvement in pivotal plays could be seen as a challenge to Wilson’s role.

Should Justin Fields lose the Steelers QB1 job to Russell Wilson? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/j4FraWmsli

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) October 15, 2024

This dynamic became evident during Week 12 when Fields wasn’t limited to short-yardage running plays, which typically suit his career average of six yards per carry. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Fields attempted a deep pass on third-and-4.

The Steelers desperately needed a conversion to maintain their slim 1-point lead. If Fields had connected with George Pickens, who was left in single coverage, the Steelers could have continued to drain the clock with another set of downs.

Instead, the pass fell incomplete, forcing a punt. Cleveland capitalized by scoring the game-winning touchdown on the following drive.

It’s worth considering whether the Browns would have played differently with Wilson behind center on that critical third down. Fields’ presence might have drawn the safety closer to the line to guard against a potential run, leaving Pickens with an opportunity downfield.

Even so, the decision to rely on a backup quarterback for the game’s most crucial throw raises questions about the Steelers’ strategy.