How Steelers will utilize backup QB Justin Fields 'is not news' to defensive coordinators

Now that Russell Wilson has officially been named the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the quarterback competition that was never a competition is over, what do they do with the talented Justin Fields?

In June, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that teams around the league fully expect Pittsburgh to use Fields in goal-line situations.

“I’ve talked to multiple teams who expect the Steelers to utilize Justin Fields as a runner and passer in the goal line; think eight yards and in,” Fowler said on NFL Live. “Arthur Smith, the new OC, used Derrick Henry as a quarterback/passer when he was in Tennessee calling plays, so why couldn’t you use a guy like Fields with his big-time ability?”

The Athletic’s Dianna Russini echoed that statement this summer. “We’ll start with the idea of Justin Fields having some packages for him in this offense,” she said. “100 percent that is the plan; they’ve already worked on it. It’s in the playbook.”

Whether it’ll be effective to be seen. Just like when Matt Canada put x on the field in 2023, signaling a jet-sweep, defenses will key in on Fields.

“You’re going to see that in an Arthur Smith offense, and defensive coordinators around the league are all prepared for that. That is not news to them at all.”

For specialized packages to work, Smith must dial up some creative plays to keep defenses guessing.