PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson’s workload is predicted to extend this week at apply, however coach Mike Tomlin mentioned he’s getting ready for Justin Fields to begin Sunday in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys.
Any quarterback resolution was taken out of Tomlin’s fingers the primary 4 weeks due to Wilson’s calf damage. At the same time as Wilson begins taking extra group reps, it seems his well being remains to be a major issue.
“In quite a lot of methods, I’m taking the identical posture that I’ve taken in latest weeks,” Tomlin mentioned. “However I’m acknowledging that he’s doing extra work as we speak than he did final Tuesday.”
On Tuesday morning, Tomlin met with Wilson to debate his rehab and plot out a plan of action. Tomlin mentioned he anticipates Wilson will be capable to start taking part in drills with a stay pocket. In doing so, Tomlin acknowledged Wilson has been taking solely 7-on-7 reps and has not but competed in full 11-on-11 drills since aggravating his calf damage.
It’s affordable Pittsburgh would need to give Wilson some kind of onramp earlier than throwing him right into a stay recreation.
“We gained’t draw too many conclusions,” Tomlin mentioned. “However we’ll simply begin that course of and we’ll comb via that daily, consider his capability to maneuver and performance and defend himself and, clearly, consider his stage of productiveness. We’ll let that be our information by way of whether or not we get into critical consideration as we push ahead towards recreation time this week.”
Requested if Fields’ regular efficiency via the primary 4 weeks and his 3-1 document because the Steelers’ starter permits the group to be extra cautious about how or once they carry Wilson again, Tomlin mentioned, “It doubtlessly may, however it has not thus far.”
“The guiding issue for us on this level is the quantity of ball that we’ve got in entrance of us, how early we’re on this course of,” Tomlin mentioned. “That’s in all probability been one of many important variables by way of our strategy to his rehabilitation.”
Free, each day NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Free, each day NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Wilson initially injured his calf pushing a sled throughout the group’s conditioning check and was considerably restricted via the primary weeks of coaching camp. Pittsburgh named Wilson QB1 on the finish of the preseason following a so-called camp completion.
Nevertheless, when Wilson aggravated his calf damage the Thursday earlier than the opener, the Steelers pivoted to Fields.
In 4 video games, Fields has accomplished a career-best 70.6 % of his passes for 830 yards and three passing touchdowns. His dynamic mobility has additionally been on show, as he’s carried the ball 38 instances for 145 yards and three speeding touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has praised Fields for his capability to face within the pocket and work via his progressions.
Whereas turnovers plagued Fields with the Chicago Bears, he’s performed a extra calculated recreation in Pittsburgh. He’s thrown only one interception in 4 video games and fumbled 4 instances. That’s been sufficient to raise the Steelers to a 3-1 document.
Sunday in opposition to the Indianapolis Colts, Fields performed a little bit of a Jekyll and Hyde recreation. He had a important fumble early within the second half and on the ultimate drive, contributed to a botched snap that derailed Pittsburgh’s probabilities of driving for the game-tying or game-winning rating.
He was additionally typically flushed out of the pocket and needed to create out of construction on damaged performs.
“I admire his battle,” Tomlin mentioned after Sunday’s loss to the Colts. “However he and we have been slightly bit sloppy at instances — too sloppy to comfortably safe victory.”
Whereas he wasn’t excellent, Fields was a number one catalyst behind the Steelers’ comeback effort. He racked up 312 passing yards and a landing via to the air, to associate with 55 speeding yards and two extra touchdowns on the bottom. These three touchdowns on consecutive sequence pulled Pittsburgh inside one possession on three separate events.
“We have been down a number of scores within the fourth quarter, man, however I didn’t really feel any blink. Particularly, I didn’t really feel any blink in Justin,” Tomlin mentioned Tuesday. “We’ve talked about his regular demeanor in latest weeks, by way of the issues that I’ve grown to know and perceive about him. I believe it’s actually on show in moments like that.”
Because the Steelers proceed to handle what’s going to grow to be an ongoing query, one factor they should contemplate is the trajectory of each gamers’ careers.
Whereas Wilson is a nine-time Professional Bowler with Tremendous Bowl expertise, he’s additionally 35 years previous and coming off of two underwhelming seasons. Even when he proves himself to be the higher passer, Pittsburgh has to ask how shut he can get to his Professional Bowl finest and the way lengthy it should keep that manner.
On the flip facet, Fields didn’t do sufficient with the Bears to show he must be the way forward for the franchise. Nevertheless, the change of surroundings has allowed him to play among the finest soccer of his profession. As a result of he’s simply 25 years previous, the upside is apparent.
If Fields can proceed to develop into this function, the Steelers could have a long-term resolution to a quarterback query that has lingered ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
Every time Fields will get the prospect to begin, he has the chance to re-shape the depth chart. Final season, Kenny Pickett was as soon as seen as the way forward for the franchise. However when he was injured and Mason Rudolph thrived, Tomlin selected to journey the recent hand.
As of now, it appears Wilson will not be wholesome sufficient for that to be a part of the dialog.
“There’s a possible for that,” Tomlin mentioned. “However we’re not there, as I stand right here as we speak.”
Required studying
(Photograph: Justin Casterline / Getty Photos) )
