The Pittsburgh Steelers are probably the most surprising undefeated team left in the NFL, and that is in part due to their solid quarterback play from Justin Fields. While it seems obvious by now, that Fields will be the starter for the rest of the season and the future beyond that, head coach Mike Tomlin is not willing to officially name him the starter just yet.
Mike Tomlin Has Not Made A Long-Term Decision Yet
Russell Wilson was expected to be the starter when the team signed him, but by now, there is almost no one who thinks he will get in the huddle as the starter barring an injury to Fields. Fields has also been solid all around, he has clearly been coached out of some of the bad habits he built on his former team.
Fields have allowed the defense to control the game and have been more of a game manager in the first three games, and that has worked perfectly for them so far. They have another winnable game this week against the Indianapolis Colts, and if they start 4-0, all hell would break lose if they take out their quarterback who has gotten them there.
Fields has looked like a veteran, completing 55 of 75 passes with a 95.3 quarterback rating. Even Stellers legend Ben Roethlisberger has stamped Fields as the starter for the season. On Tuesday, Tomlin revealed that while Fields is going to be the starter again this week, he will not declare a permanent starter yet:
Why not name Justin Fields the #Steelers starter going forward?
Mike Tomlin pic.twitter.com/qdt172bnsq— 93.7 The Fan (@937theFan) September 24, 2024
“No question Justin has played well, and that’s exciting for him and for us,” Tomlin said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I haven’t looked at that in terms of decision-making because it’s not time for that.”
Wilson is still a limited participant in practice and he may not be fully healthy for a couple more weeks, but by that time there’s no way Tomlin could even consider taking Fields out. He may as well announce Fields as the starter as that would probably give the team more energy.
Fields is just a 25-year-old and he has built up a great start with his new team, it would be problematic, to say the least, to take him out if you believe he is your future.
Fields should get another win for the team this week, and this entire conversation should be over very soon.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger Takes Clear Stance On Russell Wilson Vs. Justin Fields Debate
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