Steelers HC: Russell Wilson Being QB1 Over Justin Fields on 1st Depth Chart is 'Real'

While some teams release a preseason depth chart that's not wholly indicative of where players stand, that's not the case for the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback battle right now.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Russell Wilson being listed as the starter on the depth chart "is real."

The Steelers' initial depth chart released on Tuesday had Wilson listed as QB1 over Justin Fields.

Tomlin has been consistent throughout the offseason that Wilson will be Pittsburgh's starter as long as he is healthy, but he's kept the door open for Fields to compete.

During the NFL's annual league meeting in May, Tomlin told reporters Wilson was in the "pole position" for the job going into the team's offseason activities:

"Russell has those resources, man, that structure, and so that's why I say he has pole position, man. It just creates a synergy that I think is good for this time of year. When it's time to compete, we get in training camp-like settings and go to preseason stadiums and so forth, obviously Justin will be given an opportunity that shows his capabilities."

Wilson suffered a calf injury during conditioning drills early in training camp that allowed Fields to work with the first-team offense. The nine-time Pro Bowler took part in a walkthrough on Tuesday for the first time all camp, indicating he's getting closer to a full return to practice.

Tomlin said on Wednesday that Wilson won't play in the preseason opener and Fields will get "a couple of series" with the first unit.

Despite what the depth chart looks like right now, the Steelers don't have to decide on their starting quarterback until the start of the regular season. Wilson seems to have the inside track on the job based on everything Tomlin has said.

Fields is an electric talent who could make a push for the job, especially if he looks good with the first-team offense in preseason games.

Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in free agency after he was released by the Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old threw for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 15 starts last season.

Fields was acquired by the Steelers from the Chicago Bears for two 2025 draft picks. He has thrown for 4,804 yards, 33 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and ran for 1,800 yards with 12 touchdowns in 28 starts over the past two seasons.

The Steelers will open their preseason schedule on Friday against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium.