Tomlin: Steelers preparing to start Fields vs. Broncos
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Justin Fields is in line to start again in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos over Russell Wilson.
"As I sit here today, we're preparing as Justin Fields is our QB," Tomlin said, according to team reporter Missi Matthews.
Wilson - who was named the starter before the season - missed Week 1 while dealing with a calf injury. Tomlin said the veteran passer is feeling better but won't practice until Thursday at the earliest, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
With Fields under center, Pittsburgh defeated the Atlanta Falcons 18-10 on Sunday thanks to six Chris Boswell field goals. Fields was 17-for-23 passing with 156 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also rushed for 57 yards and suffered a fumble. Tomlin declined to name a starter postgame after being asked if Fields' performance versus Atlanta could've impacted Wilson's status as QB1.
The matchup versus the Broncos would mark a revenge game for Wilson, who was released by Denver this past offseason before signing a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. The 35-year-old played two seasons with the AFC West club but was only 11-19 as a starter.
Fields also joined the Steelers this year as part of an offseason trade from the Chicago Bears. The 2021 first-rounder flashed his potential in Chicago - mostly because of his rushing ability - but lacked consistency as a passer, which resulted in the Bears moving him before drafting Caleb Williams first overall.
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