PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have a package of plays for quarterback Justin Fields, that they are definitely going to use. Maybe this week even. But maybe not this week.
You’ll just have to tune in and find out.
The Steelers have obviously shown the NFL what Fields can do in Arthur Smith’s offense, as he started the first six games of the 2024 season while Russell Wilson was injured. Since then, the Steelers have been teasing a package of plays for Fields, but they have yet to call the formation into usage. Part of that has been Fields’ availability, as he missed the New York Giants game with a practice squad hamstring issue.
The other part has been the Steelers enjoying being a bit coy about when and how they might use Fields. There’s a bit of gamesmanship in making every opposing defense prepare for the unknown.
“We’ve had a package every week,” Smith said on Thursday. “Sometimes, it goes back to the flow of the game, and obviously, being smart with Justin. He had a little bit of a hamstring, so that went into a little bit with the decision-making. But it’ll be ready to go when we need it. Maybe it’s Sunday, maybe it’s next Sunday. But I’m very confident when we break it out, it’ll make a difference.”
Fields himself has taken both his benching for Wilson and the unknown of his future usage in stride, spending most of his time during practice as a member of the scout team, but staying ready if his number is called.
“Any time I get to step on the field, I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Whenever coach calls my number, I’ll be ready to go.”
When might that be? You (and opposing defensive coordinators) will just have to watch.