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Even though neither player in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback battle has impressed in preseason games, Russell Wilson has taken control of the offense since returning from his calf injury.
Appearing on the Saturday morning SportsCenter, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler explained that Wilson’s “obvious” command of the offense still has him atop the depth chart in the battle with Justin Fields to be the starter when the regular season begins:
“Russell Wilson remains atop the depth chart, QB1, nothing has changed, coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that leading into the game this weekend. And as somebody with the team told me that Russell Wilson’s command of the offense since he’s been back in full practice swing from the calf injury has been obvious. Something that only a seasoned, veteran Pro Bowler can show. That gives him an edge right now. Now, Justin Fields has been intriguing, he’s been a playmaker throughout camp, so there’s a little room to make this interesting this weekend in this big third preseason game. So Russell Wilson will get the first run and Fields will come in with the second team. But it’s really been the case, ever since they signed Wilson in March, that he’s been the favorite here. We’ll see if Fields can change that this weekend.”
There was a point in the preseason when it seemed like Fields might be able to take control of the Steelers’ starting job. Wilson injured his calf during a conditioning test on July 24. He wasn’t a full practice participant until Aug. 13.
During Wilson’s absence from practice, there were strong reviews for the first-team offense with Fields leading the way.
Head coach Mike Tomlin never wavered that Wilson was still atop the depth chart, but he has yet to confirm who the Week 1 starter will be.
Wilson got the start in Pittsburgh’s preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17. He completed eight of 10 passes, but they only gained 47 yards and he was sacked three times in five drives.
Fields has played in each of the Steelers’ first two preseason contests, including starting against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9. The 25-year-old is 16-of-23 for 159 yards through the air and has gained 43 yards on 12 rushing attempts, but he’s been sacked three times and fumbled three times.
Tomlin told reporters after the Texans game that Fields’ fumbles “negated a lot of good things going on in those first couple of drives.”
The two quarterbacks combined have led the Steelers to a total of three points in 13 drives this preseason.
Wilson is set to start Saturday’s preseason finale against the Detroit Lions. This would seem to indicate he will be QB1 in the regular season, especially if the Steelers believe his command of the offense has stood out.
The Steelers will open the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sept. 8.