Russell Wilson Listed as QB1 Over Justin Fields on Steelers' Unofficial Depth Chart

Russell Wilson is listed as the Pittsburgh Steelers' first-string quarterback ahead of Justin Fields on the initial depth chart published Tuesday by the team.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in March that Wilson was in "pole position" for the starting job, but that Fields would have the chance to compete for the role.

Wilson, who suffered a calf injury prior to training camp, has been limited in his practice participation as Fields took reps with the Steelers' first-team offense.

Tomlin reiterated last week that Wilson remained the team's starting quarterback, but emphasized that Fields had "really taken advantage of the opportunity for additional snaps because Russ has been out some the first week."

"We've got two really capable guys," Tomlin told CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo. "We're going to create an environment where they get an opportunity to compete and see where they're capable of."

So far that competition hasn't led to an upset. Wilson, as expected, will top the depth chart heading into preseason action Friday against the Houston Texans.

Wilson took a step forward in his practice participation Tuesday, per The Athletic's Mike DeFabo, but has yet to rejoin practice in a full capacity. That limitation, combined with the first unofficial depth chart, makes it likely that Fields will get the start in the Steelers' first preseason action of the year.

There Fields will get yet more reps with an offense led by Arthur Smith, who represents the third offensive coordinator the former Chicago Bears quarterback has worked with in the last four seasons.

"You're changing language on guys, especially a young player, he's been in a couple systems now," Smith said last week, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "So we're working through all that. But I've seen him, he's really operating the offense. There's a lot of things we can play to his strengths, and that's exciting."

Fields' performance this preseason could potentially help him continue contending for Wilson's starting job, although it will be difficult to fully judge the state of the quarterback battle until the former Denver Broncos signal caller has fully rejoined practice.

All eyes will be on how much Wilson is able to participate throughout the rest of this week. The Steelers are also holding practices Wednesday and Thursday ahead of the preseason opener, per DeFabo.