Justin Fields Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson earlier this offseason, most expected that he would ultimately be the team’s starting quarterback this season. But the team also brought in former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, and it sounds like he’s holding his own in the competition for the starting spot.

During a recent press conference, new Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had some high praise for Justin Fields as he made it clear that he is impressed with how he’s “really operating the offense.” He also indicated that Fields brings a new dynamic to the team’s offense with his running ability.

“He’s a dangerous football player with the ball in his hands,” Smith said accordin to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It allows you to get creative. Maybe you change up a little bit of a defensive game plan for him. Certainly he adds a different element.”

Fields has gotten more first-team reps than expected so far throughout training camp after Russell Wilson was sidelined early in the camp with a calf injury. Now with Wilson back at practice and healthy enough to compete, the competition is on for the team’s starting quarterback role.

[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]