Mike Tomlin opens up about Russell Wilson, Justin Fields competition

Recent whispers suggested that the minor calf injury veteran Russell Wilson has dealt with during training camp opened the door for Justin Fields to win the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback job.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin discussed the situation during a Tuesday chat with Evan Washburn of CBS Sports.

"We're gonna create an opportunity where they get an opportunity to compete and show what they're capable of," Tomlin said about Wilson and Fields, per Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. "We've been really consistent of the positioning of it throughout the offseason. We described it as Russ having pole position, meaning that they're gonna be given an opportunity to compete. But, I just think it's really important to lean on [Wilson's] experience and expertise relative to the things that come outside of playing, to provide direction to the unit."

Wilson clearly began training camp penciled in as Pittsburgh's QB1 but reportedly will be eased back into practice coming off the calf issue. While ESPN's Dan Graziano predicted that "Fields will show enough through camp to catch [Wilson] and claim the Week 1 starting spot," John J. Kurcina of Steelers Depot noted how team insider Mark Kaboly of The Athletic insisted during a Tuesday appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" that he doesn't believe Wilson is "in jeopardy of losing the starting job at all" by the regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8.

"Justin has really taken advantage of the opportunity for additional snaps because Russ has been out some here the first week," Tomlin continued. "And so really excited about the trajectory of it, excited about it, continue to go with the process and having them display their skills."

As of Wednesday morning, FanDuel Sportsbook listed Wilson as the heavy betting favorite at -620 odds to start over Fields (+400) against Atlanta. Fields should continue to receive chances to impress during practices but could really make a statement regarding what supposedly remains a legitimate competition when Pittsburgh kicks off its preseason with a home game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 9.