Russell Wilson likely will not get his shot at revenge at Sean Payton and the Broncos.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that the team is “preparing” to start Justin Fields in Denver on Sunday.
Fields was 17-for-23 with 156 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions in Pittsburgh’s season-opening 18-10 win in Atlanta, adding 14 rushes for 57 yards.
The Steelers are preparing to start Justin Fields in Week 2. Getty Images“Over the course of the week, we’ll be analyzing whether (Wilson is) capable of protecting himself, whether he’s capable of being productive. When we get to those points, that’s when we’ll ponder his inclusion or not, and when that happens will probably be a component of that equation,” Tomlin said, as transcribed by NFL Network.
“But as I sit here today, we’re preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback. I think that’s the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time. Russell’s hurt. He’s not available to us.”
Tomlin’s stated offseason plan was to start Wilson, who the Broncos released with an astounding $85 million in dead cap money earlier this year.
However, Wilson was hampered by a calf injury that caused Field to get the start against Atlanta, and Tomlin is –for now — keeping things rolling after the win.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) scrambles against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images“I just visited with [Wilson]. He feels better today than he did over the weekend,” Tomlin said.
“What that means, I don’t know as we sit here today. I know that we’re going to take the same approach that we take with a lot of people in terms of injury. We’ll first start with his participation and his level of participation, his quality of participation.”
The Bears parted ways with Fields after three years this offseason, sending him to Pittsburgh for a conditional sixth-round pick before drafting Caleb Williams first overall.
