Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers wouldn’t budge on naming a starting quarterback on October 16. He told the media that any decision on who will start behind center in Week 7 “will remain in-house.”
The same will not be the case, though, on who practices with the first-team offense. Steelers left tackle Dan Moore told the media that Russell Wilson practiced with the team’s top offense to begin preparation for the New York Jets.
“Russell Wilson took first-team reps today, Dan Moore confirms,” wrote The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat’s Amanda Godsey on X (formerly Twitter).
Wilson hasn’t played in any of Pittsburgh’s first six games this season. He was on the active roster for the first time on October 13 versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
He served as the team’s emergency No. 3 quarterback in the first five games. Wilson was unavailable with the exception of emergency situations because of a calf injury.
Justin Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record in Wilson’s absence.
Russell Wilson Practicing With Dan Moore, Steelers First-Team Offense
It’s not shocking Wilson practiced with the first-team offense on October 16. When talking to reporters the day prior, Tomlin sounded confident Wilson would be on the field with the team’s top offense at some point during the week.
But with Wilson practicing ahead of Fields to begin the week, it appears NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero’s report that the Steelers have placed Wilson “in line to make his season debut” in Week 7 is correct.
On October 15, Tomlin declined to name a starting quarterback. But he acknowledged Wilson is healthy and was “in consideration” to start. The Steelers will host the Jets on Sunday night.
Wilson last appeared on the field during the team’s preseason finale. He re-injured his calf before Week 1 and didn’t dress on the active roster.
The 35-year-old signal caller originally injured his calf while pushing a sled on July 26.
Could Justin Fields Play Even if Wilson Starts?
If Wilson starts, Fields will obviously head to the bench. But that doesn’t mean Fields won’t play at all.
Tomlin teased a package of plays for Fields when Wilson was set to start in Week 1 versus the Atlanta Falcons. On October 15, Tomlin again proposed the idea of Fields and Wilson both playing.
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Fields has been a terrific asset for the Steelers because of his running ability. He rushed for 59 yards and 2 touchdowns in the 32-19 victory against the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 6.
But Fields has left something to be desired from a passing perspective. Although he only has 1 interception and a career-high completion percentage this season, Fields owns a career-low in yards per attempt and yards per completion.
The Steelers are 28th in passing yards per game.
Wilson’s veteran experience could help the Steelers unlock more potential in their passing game. But it’s worth wondering at what cost.
At 35 years old, Wilson doesn’t have the same running ability as Fields. On October 15, Tomlin called Fields’ legs an “x-factor.”
Additionally, Moore and left guard Isaac Seumalo are the only offensive line starters poised to be in the Steelers lineup versus the Jets in Week 7. To combat that, Tomlin seemingly has the choice between starting the quarterback with quicker decision-making or the legs to overcome a pass rush.
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Steelers’ Dan Moore Reveals Which QB Began Week 7 Prep With 1st-Team Reps