Insider expands on reported change in Steelers' Justin Fields, Russell Wilson situation

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler raised eyebrows when he revealed on Wednesday that "Justin Fields continues to build momentum" to remain the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback and has been referred to as "QB1" by some teammates as veteran Russell Wilson continues to recover from a lingering calf issue.

Well-known NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated expanded on Fowler's report during a Thursday appearance on the Fox Sports Radio "2 Pros and a Cup of Joe" program.

"I think there's a tidal wave of support in that building for Justin Fields right now," Breer said about Pittsburgh's unique quarterback situation, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot.

Fields helped the Steelers earn three straight victories with Wilson sidelined, but the 25-year-old recorded only three touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) over those wins. According to ESPN stats, Pittsburgh heads into Week 4 of the campaign ranked 24th in the league with an average of 17.0 points scored per game.

Meanwhile, Wilson was selected as both Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter and as a team captain before he reaggravated a calf injury he first suffered early into training camp. He has served as a mentor for Fields this month, but the 2021 first-round draft pick has seemingly become a locker-room favorite over the past several weeks.

"I can tell you this: Justin Fields is incredibly well-liked in that building," Breer added. "The staff likes coaching him. They feel like he's getting better week over week. There is a lot of support for Justin Fields holding onto that job in Pittsburgh."

For what it's worth, Bryce Young being "well-liked" by at least some teammates didn't prevent first-year Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales from benching Young after just two starts this season. In short, Fields may need to find the end zone more than once during this coming Sunday's game at the 1-2 Indianapolis Colts to stay atop the depth chart for the Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys (1-2) assuming Wilson is cleared to play by Oct. 6.

As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Steelers as 1.5-point favorites against the Colts.