Steelers OC: Justin Fields Isn't a 'Gadget Guy' Behind Russell Wilson; We Have 2 QB1s

The Pittsburgh Steelers used backup quarterback Justin Fields for a couple of plays Sunday in their 18-16 home win over the Baltimore Ravens, most notably a nine-yard rush as the AFC North leaders were running out the clock in the win.

Fields, who was the Steelers' starting quarterback for six games before Russell Wilson returned from injury, could perhaps be seen as a "gadget" player at this point.

However, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith doesn't see it that way, going so far as saying that Pittsburgh has "two starting quarterbacks" during a Tuesday chat with reporters. He also referenced his time as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator when mentioning then-starter Ryan Tannehill and backup Marcus Mariota.

"There's a fine line to it. I don't view Justin in this role as a gadget guy. Justin to me, we've got two starting quarterbacks. Hell of a football player, so if he can help the team..."

"And there's a fine line. I've done it a little bit in my past. We did it down the stretch with Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota, but different situation. So when you have the opportunity to add things up, and just the way the game was going, throw something at 'em and put another dynamic football player out there, that certainly helps us."

Fields hadn't played the last three weeks leading up to the Ravens game, but he was called into action twice Sunday.

First, Fields ran for eight yards on 2nd-and-11 early in the third quarter to set up a 3rd-and-3 at the Baltimore 41-yard line. Wilson then came back in and tossed a two-yard pass to Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh opted for the 57-yard field goal try, which Chris Boswell drilled for a 12-7 lead.

Second, Fields rushed for nine yards on 2nd-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 30 with 1:02 left. This one was a bit hairy, as Fields slid short of the first down marker, forcing Pittsburgh into a 3rd-and-1. But it was no big deal as running back Najee Harris picked up the first down on the next play, effectively ending the game.

Pittsburgh has a quick turnaround this week with the team visiting the Cleveland Browns on Thursday evening. Wilson is still clearly QB1, but perhaps we'll see some more Fields as well as the Steelers look for their sixth straight win.