NFL Rumors: Justin Fields May Stay QB1 Over Russell Wilson if Steelers Defeat Broncos

Pittsburgh Steelers could stick with Justin Fields as the starting quarterback regardless of Russell Wilson's status moving forward based on how Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos unfolds, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Wilson's calf injury opened the door for Fields in Pittsburgh's opener and he went 17-of-23 for 156 yards through the air in an 18-13 win over the Atlanta Falcons. He also ran for 57 yards on 14 carries.

Wilson told reporters this week he's "getting closer and closer" to his return, but Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Friday the team is expecting to start Fields on Sunday and for its Week 3 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Fields spent the first three seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears, and to say he didn't live up to his draft status would be an understatement.

He finished the 2023 campaign having completed 61.4 percent of his passes 2,562 yards and 16 touchdowns against nine interceptions in 13 games, in addition to rushing for 657 yards and four scores.

The Bears traded Fields to the Steelers ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, in which they selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick to be his replacement.

Head coach Mike Tomlin named Wilson the starter ahead of Fields in August, which was the order many expected when this quarterback room came together. At the same time, a midseason QB change looked plausible when Wilson is only a one-year stopgap and Fields could serve as a more permanent solution.