Steelers' Fields Praises Wilson's Leadership

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting just about the best outcome they could’ve asked for when buying low on quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson this offseason.

Wilson’s calf injury gave the starting job, perhaps temporarily, to Fields . But he’s run with it, and his performance has left the Steelers far less eager to make the switch.

As Wilson nurses his calf back to full strength, there may not be a starting job waiting for him. That doesn’t mean he can’t help Pittsburgh win some games from the sideline.

Fields joined his teammate, Cameron Heyward, on the veteran lineman’s podcast and had nothing but praise for Wilson.

“Shoot, I mean, Russ has been great for me so far, and he’s been nothing but help,” Fields said. “Like, I can ask him a question and he’s going to tell me what he thinks. He’s just always cheering the guys on. Even his time being out, he’s a huge supporter, so it’s been great having him there for sure.”

Frankly, Fields has done more than enough to retain the starting job. He’s keeping the ball out of harm’s way, avoiding sacks, and operating at the most efficient rate of his career.

Through three games, Fields’ completion percentage (73.3), interception rate (1.3 percent), and passer rating (95.3) are all career-bests. His mobility adds a dimension to the offense that Wilson can’t at this point in his career, and given the fragility of the passing offense, that might make all the difference.

But Wilson, despite wanting to start, makes for a strong backup quarterback. The competency is apparent—he was in line to start all summer—and few can match his track record.

Related: Fields Growing Confident As Steelers' Starter

“He’s had so much success,” Fields said (transcribed by Steelers Depot ). “He’s seen so many defenses. He’s played so much ball to where I know if I can just pick up on how he prepares, how he goes throughout his week, what he does to recover and stuff.”

There’s a legitimate chance Wilson plays for the Steelers this season. Between adversity, injury, and a daunting second-half schedule, it feels nearly inevitable. At the rate Fields is playing, though, he’s making a pivot awfully difficult.