Steelers QB Battle Declared Over After Week 4 Loss to Colts

Justin Fields may have lost his first game in four tries as the Pittsburgh Steelers starting QB against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, September 29 -- but he didn't lose his job to Russell Wilson .

At least that was the stance from Bleacher Report's NFL Staff following the Steelers' 27-24 road defeat to Indy, in which Fields threw for 312 yards and 1 TD and finished the game with a rating of 104.0 , his season high.

The quarterback also rushed the football 10 times for 55 yards and a score.

It's difficult to watch the Steelers play and not think that Justin Fields is the team's present and future at the game's most important position.

Fields' play was far from perfect. His fumble, which was caused by the ground while he tried to run around and avoid pressure, was ugly. At the same time, Pittsburgh wouldn't have been in the game if not for the quarterback's running skills and a few ropes he threw in the second half.

As the Steelers' younger option, the 25-year-old should remain in the lineup even when Russell Wilson is finally cleared because he provides the most upside and long-term potential. He's also earned the spot.

The Steelers tapped Wilson as the starter ahead of Week 1, but a calf issue sent him to the sideline where he remains a full month later.

Wilson will turn 36 years old later this season and Pittsburgh is only paying him $1.2 million in 2024. His ability to start for and lead a decent offense in the NFL should provide the Steelers with several options to deal Wilson for meaningful draft capital (probably somewhere between a late Day 2 and early Day 3 pick in 2025) ahead of the league's November 5 trade deadline.

Among teams that could be interested by then are the Miami Dolphins , Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants -- all of which face serious questions under center.