The Pittsburgh Steelers had planned for nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson to be their starting quarterback this season. While that still remains the plan for the long-run, he will not be starting for them in their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Instead, former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields will get the nod:
Now official: Justin Fields starts for the #Steelers today, team says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 8, 2024
Fields was traded to the Steelers earlier this year for a conditional sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Why Is Justin Fields Starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers Instead of Russell Wilson?
Wilson, despite winning the quarterback competition during training camp, is not available for the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. He has been dealing with a calf injury and was not able to move as well as he wanted to during pregame warmups.
Wilson is coming off of a season with the Denver Broncos in which he completed 66.4% of his passes for 3,070 yards, 26 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a passer rating of 98.0.
Fields, on the other hand, is coming off a year with the Chicago Bears in which he completed 61.4% of his passes for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a passer rating of 86.3. He also added 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Justin Fields Will Face Off Against a Familiar Foe
Interestingly, the Steelers and Falcons game in Week One will now pit two former NFC North quarterbacks against each other. Fields, as mentioned, previously played for the Bears while Kirk Cousins, the starting quarterback in Atlanta, previously played for the Minnesota Vikings.
While neither quarterback defended against the other, it is worth noting that Fields is 0-3 against Cousins in his career.
Perhaps playing on a different team with a better defense will help him get his first win over his former division rival.
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