How Steelers' Justin Fields has 'surprised' HC Mike Tomlin

Justin Fields hasn't yet established himself as an elite quarterback at the highest level but had a reputation for being one of the more athletically gifted players at the position before the Chicago Bears traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers this past March.

It appears Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin may have underestimated all that Fields can do when on the field.

"I love his professionalism, his consistent approach to work," Tomlin said about Fields during a recent NFL Network appearance, as shared by Joe Clark of Steelers Depot. "He's got an even-keel demeanor that's good for leadership. And I've been surprised by his athleticism to be quite honest with you. I've seen video, obviously, but to see it up close and personal every day, he's a special athlete, man. He can do a lot."

Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson signed a team-friendly contract with Pittsburgh before the club acquired Fields, and Wilson entered training camp as the clear favorite to start the Steelers' regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8 before he was slowed by a minor calf injury in late July.

Brooke Pryor of ESPN is among those who have noted how Fields has impressed working with the first-team offense this summer, but Pryor also mentioned on Monday that "Wilson is still likely in the lead for the job" ahead of Pittsburgh's preseason matchup versus the Houston Texans this coming Friday night.

As for Fields' athleticism, StatMuse shows he's rushed for the second-most regular-season yards among quarterbacks (2,220) since the start of the 2021 campaign. Fields spoke with reporters on Sunday and said he is "just trying to take advantage of each and every rep that I get" as Wilson works to get back to 100 percent.

As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook still had Wilson as the betting favorite at -450 odds to get the nod over Fields (+300) for the Atlanta game. If Fields makes a couple of highlight-reel plays with his legs and his arm versus Houston, he could give Tomlin something to think about heading into Pittsburgh's home exhibition contest against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17.