Who is the Steelers' starter? Latest updates on QB battle between Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

As we quickly approach the start of the NFL regular season, most of the league’s 32 teams have their starting quarterbacks set in place.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are not one of those teams.

Heading into the final week of the preseason, there’s still speculation and a lack of clarity on which of Pittsburgh’s offseason acquisitions will start: Russell Wilson or Justin Fields?

Here’s an updated look at the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart, along with the latest updates on the Steel City’s starter.

Steelers QB depth chart

RankPlayer

1Russell Wilson

2Justin Fields

3Kyle Allen

4John Rhys Plumlee

Long-time Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin still has a decision to make in the quarterback room ahead of Week 1.

On the team website’s depth chart, Wilson is listed as QB1, but that’s still unofficial for the time being. Kyle Allen is all but set as the QB3 on the roster. Ahead of him sit two quarterbacks that started elsewhere last year.

Wilson, who spent the last two seasons with the Broncos, had a solid 2023 season with 26 passing touchdowns and eight interceptions.

Meanwhile, Fields became replaceable once the Chicago Bears landed the No. 1 pick and drafted USC phenom Caleb Williams. Despite already signing Wilson to a one-year deal, Pittsburgh swooped in via trade to create a competition at quarterback.

Fields, now entering his fourth season in the NFL, threw 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and registered 657 rushing yards last season in Chicago.

On one hand, Wilson figures to offer more of a pocket presence, higher accuracy on throws and veteran experience from his 12 years in the league.

Fields, meanwhile, is younger (25) and can be a dynamic talent at times, capable of using his speed and agility on the ground or to escape defenders before making his throws.

Russell Wilson, Justin Fields stats

Over the course of the preseason, both Wilson and Fields have struggled at times.

Last week against the Bills, Wilson finished 8/10, but with just 47 passing yards. Fields finished 11/17 with 92 passing yards and 42 rushing yards.

The performances by the Steelers’ quarterbacks in the preseason has only stirred up more controversy across national media. The likely favorite to start, Wilson, has arguably been outperformed by Fields so far.

However, neither quarterback made much of an impact on the Steelers’ offensive performance against the Bills.

Against Buffalo, Fields had an overthrow toward the back of the end zone that even a massive leap by his wide receiver couldn’t mask.

As for Wilson, his inability to avoid sacks was an issue in the preseason matchup.

Latest updates on Steelers’ QB1 decision

On Thursday, Fields made his case as the starter to the media.

“I think I’ve shown what I can do,” Fields said, per ESPN. “I think the time that I did have with the (first team) practicing in training camp, I think that went well. I think we grew a lot each and every day, but at the end of the day, it’s not up to me.”

Throughout camp, there have been reports that Fields has been “matching” Wilson on throws and running the offense.

Some analysts have been in support of the younger Fields taking the helm in Pittsburgh, while others still think Wilson’s veteran presence is a better fit for the time being.

Ahead of their final preseason game against the Lions on Saturday, Tomlin shared that Wilson would start once again.

On top of all the controversy surrounding their quarterback situation, the Steelers have also been surrounding the Brandon Aiyuk saga as one of the few potential destinations for the star receiver should he be traded.

There’s a lot to be answered in Pittsburgh before the team’s Week 1 matchup with the Falcons.