Russell Wilson Progressing; Justin Fields to Start vs. Cowboys

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed during his Tuesday press conference that quarterback Russell Wilson’s participation in practice will “pick up” this week. Justin Fields will start against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night at Acrisure Stadium, however. Tomlin will remain with the same posture at the QB position.

“Yes I am,” Tomlin said when asked if he’s preparing for Justin Fields to start on Sunday.

Russell Wilson has been dealing with a lingering calf injury since the start of training camp. He re-injured his calf at the Thursday practice prior to the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, and has been out the first four games.

Tomlin said Wilson will have a “strong work day” on Tuesday. He also added that Wilson will work from a live pocket this week, which will mark the first time he’s worked in team drills since re-injuring his calf.

Fields finished with 312 yards passing and one touchdown with a 104.0 quarterback rating in Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He also rushed for 55 yards yards and two touchdowns.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields runs during a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 29, 2024. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Fields had his first boneheaded turnover of the season, a fumble in the second half after being sacked for a 20-yard loss. Fields proceeded by leading the Steelers to three consecutive touchdowns, but was unable to get the offense in field goal position on the final possession.

Fields could have put Chris Boswell in position to kick a field goal in the third quarter had he not suffered a 20-yard sack and fumble. A check down, throwaway or even a short sack would have allowed Boswell to attempt a field goal. Indianapolis kicker Matt Gay missed the ensuing field goal, but the Fields blunder was one of several that cost the Steelers points.

“Appreciate his fight, but he and we were a little bit sloppy at times. Too sloppy to secure victory,” Tomlin said when asked about Fields’ performance after the game.

Tomlin said on Tuesday that he didn’t feel “any blink” in Fields when down two scores in the fourth quarter.

“We were down multiple scores in the fourth quarter, man, but I didn’t feel any blink. In particular, I didn’t feel any blink in Justin,” Tomlin said. “We’ve talked about his steady demeanor in recent weeks. In terms of the things that I’ve grown to know and understand about him, I think it’s really on display in moments like that. You really get an opportunity to develop a relationship in the midst of adversity and competition. I’m not trying to microwave our relationship, if you will. And so being in circumstances, it’s an opportunity for him to get to know me, me to get to know him and to fight and fight together, but not only for him but a lot of new guys.”

When asked if Fields is playing well enough for the Steelers to ride the hot hand, Tomlin did not discount that possibility.

“There’s a potential for that, but we’re not there as I stand here today,” he said.

“Play well. Win. That’s our business,” Tomlin added when asked what Fields could do to secure the starting quarterback position.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.