DEAL ACCOMPLISHED: The Steelers has just completed a spectacular signing
Steelers, 49ers verbally agree on Brandon Aiyuk deal
READ MORE:
Steelers unveil QB intentions for the exhibition opener.
The door is still open for Justin Fields.
The Steelers quarterback, who was listed as a backup behind Russell Wilson on Tuesday’s depth chart, will start the team’s preseason opener against AFC North foe Baltimore Ravens this Friday.
With Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowler, recovering from a calf injury suffered at the start of training camp, the former Bears quarterback has received the majority of first-team reps in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
“I think he just comes to compete every day,” Tomlin told ESPN. “He’s got a great competitive mentality. We’ve created a competitive environment, and he appears to enjoy it. He’s doing an excellent job of adjusting to the environment and his colleagues while still displaying his skill.”
Tomlin told reporters on Wednesday that Wilson would not play in the exhibition opener and that Fields would handle “a couple of series” as the field general.
Tomlin, on the other hand, reaffirmed that Wilson will continue to be the starter for the time being.
“You guys saw the depth chart that I released yesterday,” the 53-year-old coach stated. “That is real.”
Wilson, who signed a one-year veteran’s minimum salary of $1.21 million with the team in March, took part in a walkthrough on Tuesday for the first time since his injury.
Even if his quarterback is on the verge of a comeback, Tomlin isn’t giving up on Fields just yet.
“I think everything is an audition,” the seasoned coach stated. “Everything we do is an audition, not just for Fields, but for others.
“What happens in stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in practice.”
Fields, a first-round choice by the Bears in the 2021 draft, understands the opportunity and is committed to developing his game.
“I’m just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get,” Fields told reporters. “I know that if he wasn’t hurt, I wouldn’t be in this situation. So these are just opportunities for me. To be honest, I’m just trying to make the most of it, but I’m trying to approach every session the same way: get better each day and establish that relationship.”
Both Fields and Wilson arrived in Steel City during the offseason.
“We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” Tomlin said in March, when both signed. “I simply believe that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran. He’s simply had a lot of experience with what it takes to be the guy over the course of a year, and I believe it’s something that a younger player like Justin could benefit from.”
