Steelers' Arthur Smith 'Very Encouraged' By Justin Fields amid Russell Wilson Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is happy with what he's seen from Justin Fields' two starts thus far in the 2024 season.

"What's been very encouraging to me is his pocket presence," he told reporters Thursday. "He's stood in there when the pocket gets dirty. He's made some big throws down the field. I'm very encouraged."

Fields, 25, has been solid if unspectacular in the team's 2-0 start, throwing for 273 yards, a touchdown, no interceptions, four sacks taken and a 69.8 completion percentage while rushing for 84 yards.

"He loves to compete," head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Wednesday regarding Fields. "He's got a quiet confidence about him. He doesn't change in environments. There's a clarity in his communication, in his response to communications, that's really comfortable."

While Fields hasn't shown the game-breaking rushing ability that he often displayed in Chicago, he's shown a more steady command over the offense, limiting mistakes and allowing the team's run game and defense to win games.

In general, the offense feels like a work in progress, with a new offensive coordinator in Smith and two new quarterbacks in Fields and the injured Russell Wilson.

"I feel like I'm, we're like a startup on offense, a startup company, really," Smith told reporters. "And, you know, we've got a great defense and good (special) teams. So those are things we've go to work with and we've got to keep working."

As for Wilson, the veteran is dealing with a calf injury expected to keep him out again in Week 3, clearing Fields to make another start.

"Really, we're kind of in the same posture as we were in last week with Russ," head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday. "As I sit here today, Russ is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice, and so we're readying a plan that features Justin and his readiness."

Wilson was only a limited participant in practice again on Thursday.

As for whether or not Fields could remain the starter even when Wilson is healthy, Tomlin didn't outright reject the possibility this week, though he didn't endorse the idea either.

"My position regarding the pecking order and the depth chart has not changed guys, and it won't until the other guy (Wilson) gets healthy, and then we'll give it real consideration," he told reporters. "Until then, I won't speculate."