Quarterback Justin Fields To Start Preseason Opener For Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Justin Fields will be the starting quarterback in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans.

Following a calf injury to Russell Wilson, Fields has been lighting up training camp. The injury has opened the door for Fields to play with Pittsburgh’s first-team offense and he has taken full advantage of this opportunity.

This will be an important test for Fields in his first experience with Pittsburgh. With Wilson’s injury, the door has swung open on a possible quarterback competition. While Fields has been great throughout training camp practices, performing well in the preseason will give him a better chance to compete for the starting spot.

Even with Wilson increasing his participation in training camp, he will not be suiting up in the Steelers’ preseason opener according to NFL.com’s Kevin Patra.

“The Steelers plan to sit several veteran players who don’t need the reps and others dealing with nicks and bruises,” Patra reported. “Wilson, T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Isaac Seumalo, Alex Highsmith, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Queen won’t play Friday, per Tomlin.”

“Wilson has missed most of training camp while dealing with a calf injury. While he’s returned in recent sessions, the issue has opened the door for Fields. Fields’ start on Friday gives him another chance in live action to impress the staff. Tomlin added that ‘everything is an audition’ for every player and that it’s an ongoing battle for the starting quarterback spot.”

Although Russell Wilson remains at the top of the depth chart, the preseason opener is another chance for Justin Fields to impress the coaching staff. Fields will be able to play with the majority of the first-team offense in the preseason opener, with only guard Isaac Seumalo not playing.

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