The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced their starting quarterback heading into their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Steelers brought in quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason to change their offense. There has been speculation since the beginning of training camp about who would be starting for Pittsburgh. Wilson has been plagued with a calf injury since the beginning of training camp which kept him limited and opened the door for Fields to gain ground.
Fields made the quarterback battle interesting during the preseason, but the Steelers ultimately named Wilson their starter ahead of their season opener. Wilson’s calf injury limited him in the first few weeks of the preseason and recently flared back up, limiting him in practice this week. There was optimism that Wilson would still start in the Steelers season opener.
Pittsburgh is starting Justin Fields at quarterback against the Falcons with Wilson injured according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
“Now official: Justin Fields starts for the Steelers today, team says,” Garafolo reported.
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Fields is a competent quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. He was set to be the backup for Wilson even after impressing in training camp and preseason.
Now leading the team in Week 1 against the Falcons with Wilson hobbled, Fields can earn the starting job. There wasn’t a big difference between Fields and Wilson throughout the summer so the Steelers should be in good shape. Hopefully, Wilson’s injury is not serious and he can return to the field soon.
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