Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is among those who have consistently asserted that veteran Russell Wilson is effectively set to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback over Justin Fields.
In a Wednesday appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo mentioned that Fields is unlikely to get many chances to work with the first-team offense once training camp starts later this month. He explained, “Often, the Steelers will rest players every third or fourth day during training camp, just like they did with [retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger].” These rest days, according to Fittipaldo, will be critical for Fields to showcase his skills with the first-team offense. Notably, Fittipaldo compared Wilson’s situation to Roethlisberger’s, who was the established starter when given rest days as a veteran. Wilson is expected to begin training camp as the “undisputed leader” of the Steelers’ offense, which could mean Fields won’t have a genuine shot at securing the QB1 position during exhibition games.
“You likely won’t see Justin Fields with the first team much during preseason games unless there’s an injury,” Fittipaldo added, “but he might get about five or six opportunities during training camp. On those days, he’ll need to prove himself to the coaching staff and front office to show he could be part of the team’s future.” Neither Wilson nor Fields is signed beyond the upcoming season. Fittipaldo also indicated that the Steelers are unlikely to sign Fields to a short-term extension before September. While there might be room for negotiation next winter before the new league year starts in March 2025, Fields might prefer to bet on his abilities and explore free agency if he spends most of the 2024 season as Pittsburgh’s QB2.