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Steelers QB Justin Fields headlines group of players to watch in preseason opener vs. Houston

By Rob Gregson,

8 hours ago

This may come as a surprise to many given all of the trade rumors surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team will play their first game of the 2024 season tonight, Friday, August 9th.

Sure it's only preseason, but Mike Tomlin already announced that plenty of starters will be playing, even if it's only in short order.

So here are five Steelers to keep your eye on when the ball is kicked off in Pittsburgh on Friday:

QB Justin Fields

After a shaky start during Week 1 of camp, Fields has been lights out over the past two weeks, performing above expectation and showing significant developments in processing, ball placement, and pocket work through this point in camp.

It's all but a given that Russell Wilson is the starter, even if Coach Tomlin says otherwise . Actions speak louder than words, and while Russell has yet to practice in a full capacity, Pittsburgh has made it clear on the field and on the depth chart that it's Wilson's job to lose.

But if there ever was a time to make him lose said job, it starts tonight for Fields.

WR George Pickens

I don't think it's a stretch to say that it would still be worth watching Pickens if he were to play only one snap on Friday. One of the most dynamic players in the league, Pickens has made multiple highlight reel catches through three weeks of camp and has been Justin Fields' favorite target.

Look for both of those variables to show themselves as he matches up against Texans CB and budding star Derek Stingley Jr.

CB Joey Porter Jr.

Porter Jr. has been solid in camp, but it's the matchup between he and new Texans WR Stefon Diggs that has him as a member of this list. Diggs has been one of the better WRs in the league for a while, and while the stakes are much lower, seeing these two matchup again after their inaugural battle in the playoffs last year is worth keeping an eye on.

LB Payton Wilson

With Patrick Queen slated to miss the opener on Friday, there is a chance that rookie sensation and camp standout Payton Wilson not only plays a decent amount but starts.

Wilson plays the position in a very fan-friendly manner, flying around and making skill players play with their heads on a swivel. He still needs to develop in terms of getting off blocks, and the preseason is a perfect place to hone that craft.

CB Beanie Bishop

Bishop has done something that can't go unnoticed. Although it may only be the initial depth chart , he is listed as the starting nickelback for Pittsburgh with Cam Sutton facing an eight-week suspension .

Suspension be darned, Bishop has earned that role through three weeks of camp, consistently finding himself in a position to make plays on the football and holding up against Pittsburgh's starting WR corps.

So don't be surprised if he gets his hands on the ball on Friday.