Justin Fields took a big shot during the Pittsburgh Steelers' game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football and did not return for two plays. He was replaced by Kyle Allen, who made his debut for the Steelers, while Russell Wilson remains sidelined with a calf injury.
Fields took one of the most brutal hits of the season during the third quarter against the Cowboys , courtesy of 260-pound defensive end Tyrus Wheat. Fields attempted to complete a pass to running back Najee Harris when he was blasted down the middle of the pocket, leading to a roughing the passer penalty for 15 yards.
The Steelers QB appeared shaken and went into the blue medical tent for a concussion check. Allen briefly stepped in and completed a 19-yard pass and was seemingly going to play for the rest of the game. But Fields returned to the game after just two minutes of game clock action.
After the short hiatus, Fields returned to complete four consecutive passes, which resulted in a 15-yard touchdown pass to tight end Connor Heyward. The score gave the Steelers a four-point lead, which they would hold until the final minutes of the third quarter.
On the next drive, the Cowboys pushed 50 yards downfield but had their field goal attempt blocked and recovered. Following the blocked kick, Fields struggled to regain momentum, and the Steelers were forced into their second three-and-out of the game. The Cowboys' defense tightened up to pressure the Steelers offensive rhythm. Pittsburgh then faced another injury, with linebacker Nick Herbig also leaving the game in the third quarter with an apparent right knee injury.
Wilson has missed all five games this season due to a lingering calf injury and remained inactive against Dallas. Wilson did not take the field despite being fully suited up on the sidelines. including the trademark eye black he wears on game days.
He has been on the sidelines and in full pads because he could technically be called up on as the Steelers' emergency quarterback. Hypothetically, he could have been put in the game if Allen and Fields both suffered injuries and were unable to play .
NFL sideline reporters noted that he participated in all QB drills during practice and felt great, suggesting he should be ready to play against the Raiders next week. The nine-time Pro Bowler's calf injury initially appeared before training camp and resurfaced before the season opener.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to make a clear decision on the team's full-time starting quarterback. Despite initial expectations that Wilson would lead the offense, Fields has guided the team to a 3-1 record with victories over the Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers.
Wilson signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh in March valued at $1.2 million , which is the veteran minimum contract. Before joining Pittsburgh, Wilson completed a two-year stint with the Broncos, where he threw for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions.
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