Russell Wilson has been warned he will last “five games” as the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback ahead of Justin Fields .
After being released by the Denver Broncos , Wilson signed a one-year deal with the AFC North franchise. However, Wilson’s availability was considerably limited during the offseason and preseason due to a calf injury, which allowed Fields crucial opportunities to lead the first-team offense.
In preseason, the offense, while far from perfect, appeared to strike a better rhythm with Fields at the helm than with Wilson. However, the veteran was named the starter for Week 1 by head coach Mike Tomlin - but Fields is waiting in the wings.
The Steelers quarterback battle has been an intriguing narrative over preseason, and speculation will only increase if Wilson struggles early. Former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth believes the 35-year-old won’t be able to fend off Fields for long.
On his podcast “Stinkin’ Truth”, Schlereth was asked how many games Wilson will be the Steelers’ starter, barring injury. He said: “I’m gonna say five. I just think that the way the Pittsburgh Steelers are gonna have to be built, what they’re gonna have to build themselves on is the running game and using the quarterback element in the run game.”
The Steelers seem to be well suited to use Fields and his exceptional dual-threat ability, as offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has had success with a mobile quarterback in the past. Perhaps the former Chicago Bears quarterback gives him - and the offense - the best chance at success.
Schlereth continued to give his thoughts on Wilson, adding: “Do I think they may be able to compete for a playoff spot? Yeah, but the issue is, and this is what got Russ out of Seattle and Denver, Russ isn’t willing to admit he’s not good at stuff. He’s delusional. If you’re not willing to admit it, then you can’t fix it."
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Ultimately, Schlereth - who played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Washington Redskins and Broncos - does not believe Wilson can hold onto the starting job. For Tomlin to act fast get replace Wilson in just five games, the Steelers would need to be really struggling for Tomlin would need to act fast.
Wilson is set to be the fourth different Week 1 starting quarterback in as many seasons for the Steelers, who have bounced from Ben Roethlisberger to Mitch Trubisky to Kenny Pickett. Now the AFC North franchise is entrusting Wilson, even after he endured two brutally disappointing seasons in Denver.
Sean Payton’s Broncos were so desperate to replace Wilson they willingly ate the $39 million they still owed him in 2024. The decision to cut Wilson allowed the Steelers to bring him in for the veteran minimum. The Steelers begin the 2024 NFL season with a trip to face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 8.
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