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Mike Tomlin Gives Honest Russell Wilson Update, Media Names Justin Fields Starting QB
Mike Tomlin spoke with the media on Tuesday and addressed the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback situation. With Russell Wilson hurt, Justin Fields started in Week 1 and played well enough to get some people very excited.
Still, Wilson won the starting job in camp and a 156-yard passing performance against the Falcons wasn't enough for Fields to entrench himself as the new starter. If Wilson can play, he will.
In the wake of the 49ers maybe being a little tricky about the injury status of Christian McCaffrey over the weekend, Tomlin was completely honest with the media saying that they would see how he was doing and ponder his inclusion. In the meantime, the team is "preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback."
“We are preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback.”
— FOX 53 (@fox53wpgh) September 10, 2024
Head coach Mike Tomlin on the Steelers’ QB situation heading into week 2 at Denver. pic.twitter.com/oXmU9mjSS0
Despite the fact that Tomlin literally said "speculation is a waste of time," social media was quickly filled with posts saying Fields would be starting on Sunday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the Steelers are "planning to start QB Justin Fields," while noting there would be "no revenge game" for Wilson.
The #Steelers are planning to start QB Justin Fields on Sunday once again, coach Mike Tomlin just told reporters.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 10, 2024
QB Russell Wilson, who missed Week 1 with calf tightness, is feeling better. And he’ll be monitored. But no revenge game against the #Broncos this weekend. pic.twitter.com/iF7gu2sXnB
FOX's NFL account left no wiggle room saying Tomlin said Fields "will start."
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin says the team will start Justin Fields at QB this week vs the Broncos. pic.twitter.com/y9zWNARKx7
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 10, 2024
To ESPN's credit, they relayed the jist of Tomlin's message saying the team was preparing Fields and would continue to monitor Wilson.
Breaking: The Steelers are preparing Justin Fields to start vs. the Broncos, coach Mike Tomlin said.
— ESPN (@espn) September 10, 2024
The team will continue to monitor Russell Wilson in practice. pic.twitter.com/nrwGC6zNkF
Something to ponder before you update your fantasy lineups.
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STEPHEN DOUGLAS
Stephen Douglas is a Senior Writer on the Breaking & Trending News Team at Sports Illustrated. He has been in journalism and media since 2008, and now casts a wide net with coverage across all sports. Stephen spent more than a decade with The Big Lead and has previously written for Uproxx and The Sporting News. He has three children, two degrees and one now unverified Twitter account.