Steelers' Mike Tomlin: Russell Wilson, Justin Fields QB1 Battle Set to 'Heat Up'

Russell Wilson's first in-game appearance with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills is expected to add a new layer to the quarterback competition with Justin Fields.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Wilson remains in the pole position to be the starter, but things are "going to heat up" with three weeks left before the start of the regular season:

"It's probably in the same place that I've described it throughout the spring and the summer. Both guys are vying for the role. Russ has pole position because of the collective body of work, the totality of the body of work that he brings into the circumstance. Both guys are new to us. We're getting an opportunity to get to know them through this process. It's been a great process. Now that Russ has full health, it's going to heat up over the next couple of weeks, and I'm excited about watching it happen."

Wilson was limited at the start of training camp due to a calf injury. He has been a full participant in practice this week.

Tomlin announced on Thursday that Wilson would get the start against the Bills as long as he didn't have a setback. Wilson's calf injury did open the door for Fields to get extended work with the first-team offense.

There were some indications early in camp that Fields was making a strong impression. CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo listed the 25-year-old among the Steelers' standouts from the first week of training camp.

"Specifically, Fields' deep ball, his ability to evade pass rushers, and his running prowess have all been on display on a daily basis at Chuck Noll Field. Fields has quickly developed a rapport with Pickens; the duo connected on a pretty scoring pass on Tuesday," DeArdo wrote on Aug. 1.

The Steelers' preseason opener against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9 was rough for Fields. He did go 5-of-6 for 67 yards through the air, but also fumbled two snaps and was sacked twice in four drives.

Tomlin specifically singled out the fumbles during his postgame press conference because they "negated a lot of good things going on in those first couple of drives."

Wilson has been listed as the starting quarterback on the depth chart put out by the team. The 35-year-old is entering his first season with the Steelers after signing a one-year contract in March.

Pittsburgh has two preseason games remaining, including Saturday's matchup with the Bills at Acrisure Stadium. It will wrap up the exhibition part of its schedule on Aug. 24 against the Detroit Lions.

The Steelers open the regular season on Sept. 8 against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.