Steelers Name Russell Wilson as Starting Quarterback

The Pittsburgh Steelers will visit the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith looking for revenge and a fan base looking for something to get excited about.

They now know who will be under center on Sept. 8.

The Steelers announced on Wednesday that quarterback Russell Wilson will start in Atlanta.

Wilson and former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields were locked into a quarterback competition this summer. The elder statesman was largely expected to win the job out of camp, but a calf injury at the beginning of camp would hold him out of several summer practices.

Fields performed well during training camp but struggled when playing with the starters this preseason. Neither quarterback managed to score a touchdown during the team’s second preseason contest – a 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Bills – but Wilson led a quick scoring drive against the Detroit Lions to cap off his preseason.

Now, he'll get the chance to lead the Steelers into the regular season.

“I met with both quarterbacks here just a few minutes ago after practice and I informed them that Russ is QB1 going into Week 1,” head coach Mike Tomlin said, via Jenna Harner . “It was a difficult decision but not difficult in a negative way, to be quite honest with you. It was difficult in a positive way.

“The decision was difficult because of what they’re capable of doing. The decision was difficult because of how they conducted themselves, as opposed to the things they fall short in in terms of capabilities or negative conduct.”

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Wilson’s pole positioning can largely be attributed to his track record and presumed competency. He’s considered the safer option of the two, and while Fields’ physical tools surpass the 35-year-old passer’s, Wilson is in more command at the line of scrimmage. Both have their fair share of trouble taking sacks, but Wilson is the better bet to keep the offense on schedule.

While this certainly doesn’t mark the end of Pittsburgh’s discussions under center , it sends the message that the Steelers know who they are and what they want to be. It’ll be on Wilson to maximize what could be his last opportunity to start in the NFL.