Justin Fields believes he has “shown what I can do” as the former Chicago Bears quarterback aims to unseat the struggling Russell Wilson as the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers .
After being released by the Denver Broncos , Wilson signed a one-year deal with the AFC North franchise. However, Wilson’s availability has been considerably limited during the offseason and preseason due to a calf injury, which allowed Fields crucial opportunities to lead the first-team offense.
The plan was for Fields to work on developing his game while Wilson led the Steelers. That strategy appears to remain in place for the Steelers with the veteran atop the depth chart, but speculation will persist as long as he struggles .
In the 9-3 defeat to the Buffalo Bills last week, Wilson went 8-of-10 for 47 yards with three sacks in a dismal performance . Meanwhile, Fields completed 11-of-17 for 92 yards.
Fields expressed confidence in his performances and ability heading into the Steelers’ final preseason game. The former first-round pick believes he has impressed head coach Mike Tomlin since arriving from the Bears via trade.
“I think I’ve shown what I can do,” Fields told reporters on Thursday. “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.
“I mean, I’m just going to come in here every day, each and every day, the same person, being a leader for this team and work my butt off, and everything else will be handled.”
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The AFC North franchise is yet to officially yet to name a starter for Week 1. But Wilson will start the preseason finale in Detroit, with Fields expected to also get the opportunity to flash his skills, although Tomlin refused to estimate the number of series for either quarterback.
“I try to not think about stuff that I can’t control,” Fields added. “I try to just think about the stuff that I can control, so I can’t control whether or not I’m going to be named the starter. I can control how I come in every day, how I work every day, and how I treat my teammates and every day.”
The offense, while far from perfect, has appeared to strike a better rhythm with Fields at the helm than with Wilson. However, the veteran has been the favorite to start since he landed in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh has one preseason game, taking on the Detroit Lions on Saturday. The Steelers begin the 2024 NFL season with a trip to face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 8.
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