Pittsburgh

Russell Wilson to Take First-Team Reps as Steelers Weigh QB Change

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Published on October 15, 2024
Russell Wilson to Take First-Team Reps as Steelers Weigh QB ChangeSource: All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The quarterback debate in Pittsburgh heats up as the Steelers contemplate a change under center this upcoming Sunday. With a 4-2 record, the team appears to be weighing its options between Russell Wilson, returning from injury, and Justin Fields, who has led the team since the season’s start. Head Coach Mike Tomlin mentioned the possibility of Wilson starting during this week's game against the New York Jets. "We got a player with talent who hadn’t had an opportunity to play so we’re going to potentially explore those things," Tomlin expressed in statements detailed by WPXI.

Looking back at the Week 6 victory over the Raiders, adoring fans could be seen flocking from far and wide, packing the stands in Sin City, where the Steelers thrived greatly by a margin of 32-13. During his press conference, the coach tipped his hat to the Steeler Nation for showing up in numbers. Tomlin also highlighted that Wilson would take some first-team reps to shake off any lingering rust ahead of the pivotal matchup. Yet, as for the permanent starter for the quarterback position, no official stance has been made, a strategy that seems to muddle clear narratives surrounding the team dynamics, as covered by a report from CBS News Pittsburgh.

The health of the team was also discussed, with key injuries spotlighted. Center Zach Frazier, nursing an ankle injury, and edge rusher Nick Herbig, nursing a hamstring, won't be stepping onto the turf come Sunday. Ryan McCollum is expected to fill in for Frazier against the Jets. Boosting the defense's prospects, Tomlin expressed optimism about Alex Highsmith's availability for the upcoming game.

It remains to be seen who will lead the Steelers as the decision is made. What's clear is that Sunday's primetime game against the Jets, with kick-off scheduled for 8:20 p.m., promises to be a high-stakes ordeal.