Steelers' Mike Tomlin Reveals Timeline for Russell Wilson, Justin Fields QB1 Decision

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will make a decision on whether Russell Wilson or Justin Fields will be the team's starting quarterback by the end of next week, per comments to reporters Saturday after his team's 24-17 preseason loss to the Detroit Lions.

It appears to be a formality that Wilson, who has started each of the Steelers' last two preseason games, will be named the team's starter.

Longtime Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac provided thoughts on the matter Saturday.

Wilson, 35, is a nine-time Pro Bowler who has been in the NFL since 2012. He played the Seattle Seahawks from 2012-2021, helping lead the team to the Super Bowl in 2013 and an NFC title in 2014.

Seattle traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos in 2022, but he was unable to recapture his past success in his new town. His second year was far better than his first, throwing 26 touchdowns (to just eight interceptions) while completing 66.4 percent of his passes for 3,070 yards.

Denver released Wilson following his second season, and he's since linked up with the Steelers on a one-year contract. The Steelers also traded for Fields, who moved on after the Chicago Bears ultimately decided to start over at QB and later roll with rookie Caleb Williams.

Tomlin has been clear on Wilson having the lead in the race, telling reporters that he had the "pole position" in March. Nothing seems to have changed, and now it appears Wilson will lead Pittsburgh when it faces the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 on Sept. 8.