The Pittsburgh Steelers’ young season already has a quarterback controversy hanging over it.
Head coach Mike Tomlin officially announced veteran Russell Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback ahead of the season, but that was all thrown into flux when Russell Wilson got hurt in practice leading up to the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
Wilson gave it his all, but hours before kickoff in Atlanta, the Steelers announced Justin Fields would be the starter, with Wilson serving as the emergency quarterback. The Steelers’ offense failed to reach the end zone, but Fields performed admirably, going 17-for-23 for 158 yards.
Many were wondering if Fields’ performance and Wilson’s health would create uncertainty in the position moving forward, and it looks like they were right.
According to ESPN, Tomlin spoke on Tuesday about who’d get the nod in the upcoming game against the Denver Broncos.
“As I sit here today, we’re preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback,” Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. “I think that’s the appropriate way to do it. Speculation is a waste of time. Russell’s hurt. He is not available to us. And so, as you guys know, as a general practice, I focus my energy on those that are available and their readiness.”
It’ll be interesting to see if Tomlin, known as a no-nonsense coach, names Fields or Wilson as the permanent starter moving forward.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.