It was widely assumed that Russell Wilson would be the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers when the team brought him in this offseason, and he took a big step toward officially earning that role this week.
On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Steelers released their first depth chart of the preseason, and head coach Mike Tomlin decided to name Russell Wilson as the team’s initial starting quarterback over Justin Fields as they continue to prepare for the upcoming season.
During a press conference this week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin pointed to the depth chart as he indicated that the decision to put Wilson ahead of Justin Fields on the depth chart was an accurate measure of where things stand in the quarterback competition.
“You guys saw the depth chart that I released yesterday,” Tomlin said. “That is real.”
While this is obviously not a final announcement about who will start at quarterback for the team this season, this is a pretty significant decision from Tomlin, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media.
Say it LOUDER for the people in the back. There’s no reason to start your 35 year old STARTING QB in a preseason opener coming off of injury. Justin needs the reps, Russ needs rest!!! https://t.co/J9YUr5vwBy
— Rico (@JJMMendez30) August 7, 2024
But last year the depth chart didn’t matter heading into the playoffs I thought. 😜 https://t.co/ufgoWioqXb
— Brian (@Spcbll_1) August 7, 2024
Russ remains the Steelers QB 1, for now. https://t.co/6aD2GvGR50
— High Point Sports (@HPointSports) August 7, 2024
That is a huge mistake. Why do you think his beloved Seahawks let him go? Why do you think the Broncos paid him so much just to let him go? And now suddenly this will be 2013 again?
— Translator (@can52309145) August 7, 2024
He needs to explain why russ is pole position
— Justin Fields Fan Club (@JustinFieldsFC_) August 7, 2024
Another fake QB competition as expected.
SMH— Will Smitty SZN (retire#8 in Teal) (@2MINIHULK) August 7, 2024
While Wilson is in the “pole position” in the competition, Tomlin did indicate that the competition is still ongoing.
“Very much is a competition,” Tomlin said. “What happens in the stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting.”
