Steelers coach Mike Tomlin preparing Justin Fields to start again at QB against Chargers

Justin Fields is on track to make a third consecutive start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, coach Mike Tomlin announced Thursday.

Russell Wilson, who missed the first two games because of a calf injury, is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice Wednesday when the Steelers begin preparing to play the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

Wilson hasn’t practiced in team portions since aggravating his calf injury four days before the season opener in Atlanta. He served as the No. 3 emergency quarterback the first two weeks, watching from the sidelines while Fields led the Steelers (2-0) to victory at Atlanta and Denver.

“We’re readying a plan that feature Justin and his readiness,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “We’ll stay in that mindset until something happens. Hypotheticals are a waste of our time.”

Wilson continues to be listed as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart even though he the next snap he takes in a regular-season game will be his first.

“My position regarding the pecking order and the depth chart has not changed, and it won’t until the other guy gets healthy and we’ll give it real consideration,” Tomlin said. “Until then, I won’t speculate.”

Tomlin also wouldn’t talk about whether Fields has a chance to earn the starting job full time.

“I’m not doing him any justice by speaking hypotheticals,” he said. “I want him focused, I’m focused on the next task and until Russell gets to a state of readiness where he’s a consideration I won’t be speculating on any of that in any way.”

Matakevich to IR

When he spoke to reporters at noon, Tomlin held out hope that injured linebacker/core special teams player Tyler Matakevich could return to practice late in the week and play against the Chargers. A few hours later those plans were scuttled, and Matakevich was placed on injured reserve with his hamstring issue.

Matakevich, 31, must sit out the next four games.

Among other injuries, left guard Iaac Seumalo “might be closer,” to making his debut after missing the first two games with a pectoral strain. Seumalo hasn’t practiced since suffering his injury on the final day of practice in the preseason.

Spencer Anderson has started in place of Seumalo.

Other injuries listed by Tomlin are to tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) and wide receiver/special teams player Ben Skowronek (shoulder). They are being evaluated, and their availability for practice this week remains unclear.

Tomlin also said rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) is progressing and could see an uptick in practice time this week.

Dog days

After the 13-6 win in Denver, Fields let it slip that Wilson was awarded a “petty game ball,” which were given to former members of the Broncos.

It apparently wasn’t the first time Tomlin issued such a reward, although he wasn’t happy the proverbial cat was let out of the bag and declined Tuesday to discuss his methodology for awarding them.

“I can’t give you all the ingredients to the hot dog,” he said. “You might not like it.”

Roster moves

Another week, another former Steelers player returning to the organization.

Cornerback James Pierre was one of two players the Steelers signed to the practice squad. Defensive back D’Shawn Jamison also was added.

Pierre appeared in 66 games over four seasons with the Steelers but signed with Washington in the offseason. He was cut at the end of the preseason.

Pierre joins safety Terrell Edmunds as former members of the secondary to return to the fold in as many weeks. Pierre played 64% of the special teams snaps for the Steelers in 2023 and could be used in that role if he is elevated to the game day roster.

Jamison played in 15 games with the Carolina Panthers last season.

To make room for Pierre and Jamison, the Steelers cut cornerback Zyon Gilbert and wide receiver Shaquan Davis from the practice squad.