Steelers' Biggest Questions to Answer in 2024 NFL Preseason
The Pittsburgh Steelers have some of the biggest offensive questions to answer across the NFL.
The Steelers have not decided which one of Justin Fields or Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback.
Which players, other than George Pickens, the starting quarterback will be throwing is also a major issue.
The Steelers lack depth behind their star No. 1 wide out and an injury to Roman Wilson has not helped the preseason preparations for Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff.
Who Starts at Quarterback in Week 1?
1 of 3
Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are taking part in the highest-profile quarterback battle in the NFL preseason.
Both players have a ton to prove in 2024. Fields needs to show he can still be a starter after a rocky time in Chicago, while Wilson should be motivated by the fact that this may be his last chance to earn a starting gig in the NFL.
ESPN's Adam Schefter shed some light on the quarterback competition on NFL Live on Wednesday.
"I think Russell Wilson remains in the pole position, but I also think that Justin Fields has opened some eyes, and they see the type of offense they could have," Schefter said.
Wilson may be the projected starter, but if Fields impresses in preseason games, the Steelers may have no choice but to begin the year with the former Bears quarterback.
No decision appears to be imminent, which could actually hurt the Steelers. They would probably rather have a starter in place as soon as possible so that player can gain all the first-team reps instead of splitting them with another player.
Who Fills in Wide Receiver Depth Behind George Pickens?
2 of 3
The Steelers have another major issue on offense at wide receiver.
George Pickens is the very clear No. 1 pass-catcher on the roster, but there is little clarity behind him on the depth chart.
Rookie Roman Wilson was one of the players expected to step up behind Pickens, but he is week-to-week with an ankle injury.
That leaves Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller as the wide out who have chances to impress in preseason.
The Steelers should wrap Pickens in bubble wrap from now until Week 1 so they at least have one reliable pass-catcher for Fields or Wilson.
The wide receiver depth will hopefully sort itself out over three preseason games, but right now, there is not a ton of promise since all four healthy candidates for the No. 2 wide receiver spot have not been in that role for most of their careers.
Who Starts Opposite Joey Porter Jr. at Cornerback?
3 of 3
Cameron Sutton's eight-game suspension means the Steelers will spend most of preseason searching for a starter opposite Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback.
Veteran corner Donte Jackson makes the most sense as the new starter in the secondary.
Of course, that could always change if someone else steps up in preseason. Porter Jr. likely will not play much since he is the team's top cornerback.
Anthony Averett, Darius Rush, Beanie Bishop Jr. and Grayland Arnold should all receive reps at corner throughout preseason to prove if they can either compete for the No. 2 corner spot, or take the spot vacated by Sutton on the 53-man roster.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
