Pittsburgh’s Head Coach Weighs Quarterback Options Amid Injury Recovery
Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ head coach, is considering sticking with the team’s current quarterback, Justin Fields, even when Russell Wilson returns from his calf injury. However, Tomlin emphasized that no decision has been made yet.
“There’s a possibility, but we’re not there yet,” Tomlin said when asked if Fields’ performance would make Wilson’s health irrelevant to the starting quarterback decision. Tomlin added that Fields’ progress could eventually impact the team’s approach to bringing Wilson back from injury.
The coach cited the amount of games left in the season and the early stage of the process as significant factors in their approach to Wilson’s rehabilitation. Tomlin drew parallels to last season, when he rode the hot hand with quarterback Mason Rudolph, starting him in crucial games despite Kenny Pickett being cleared to play.
When asked what Fields needed to do to secure his starting position, Tomlin was straightforward: “Play well, win. That’s our business.” The coach expects Wilson to increase his practice participation this week but is preparing for Fields to make his fifth start against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Tomlin also provided updates on other injured players, ruling out Alex Highsmith and James Daniels, while monitoring the practice participation of Jaylen Warren, MyCole Pruitt, Cordarrelle Patterson, Nick Herbig, Keeanu Benton, and Isaac Seumalo.
The coach praised Fields’ resolve in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts, saying he didn’t feel any hesitation despite being down multiple scores. Tomlin believes that building a relationship with Fields is best done in adverse, in-game situations.
Fields accounted for three second-half touchdowns, bouncing back from a sack and fumble in the third quarter. He became the first player in Steelers history to achieve 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and 2 rushing touchdowns in a game.
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