Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The Pittsburgh Steelers have named Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, as announced by coach Mike Tomlin. Wilson, who joined the Steelers on a one-year deal in March, secured the starting position despite a calf injury that limited his participation during training camp.
Justin Fields, acquired by the Steelers from the Chicago Bears in a trade earlier this year, will serve as Wilson’s backup. Throughout the preseason, Wilson and Fields competed for the starting role, with Wilson ultimately having the edge. In the final preseason game, Wilson led the first-team offense to a scoring drive in just five snaps before being substituted out.
Wilson’s last start was with the Denver Broncos in Week 16 of the 2023 season, where he was later replaced by Jarrett Stidham. As a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks, Wilson brings a wealth of experience to the Steelers. Meanwhile, Fields started 13 games for the Bears last season, showcasing his potential as a young quarterback in the league.
During the preseason, Fields displayed promising performances, completing 19 of 27 attempts for 199 yards and leading a scoring drive. Wilson, on the other hand, completed 10 of 12 pass attempts for 73 yards. Both quarterbacks faced pressure from opposing defenses, with Fields being sacked 44 times last season and Wilson facing 45 sacks in his last season with the Seahawks.
With Wilson leading the offense, the Steelers aim to start the season on a positive note, relying on his leadership and experience to guide the team to success. The decision to start Wilson reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities and the impact he can make on the team in the upcoming season. As the Steelers prepare for their Week 1 matchup, all eyes will be on Wilson as he takes the field to lead the team in a quest for victory.