With Russell Wilson missing much of practice, Justin Fields preps to start opener for Steelers

Justin Fields grew up, by his own characterization, as a “shy kid.”

“I remember, shoot, high school recruitment,” Fields said after Pittsburgh Steelers practice Friday. “I was making this little recruiting video, and I couldn’t even say my name and my high school in front of the camera. I was stuttering like crazy.”

A four-year NFL veteran and former Heisman Trophy finalist, by now Fields is used to the spotlight. And he spent Friday prepping to be the center of attention during the Steelers’ regular-season opener Sunday.

After starter Russell Wilson “didn’t do much” at practice Friday, Fields ran the first-team offense, and signs are trending toward Fields starting his Steelers debut when they play at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

“My process and my preparedness are not changing whether I’m the backup or whether I’m playing in the game, so I prepare like I’m the starter,” Fields said. “Anything can happen. (Even) if Russ plays, he can get hurt the first drive, or not feel good the first drive — and guess what? I’m in. So you’ve always got to be ready. That just comes with being the backup quarterback.”

Steelers QB Justin Fields prepares the same if he’s starting or not - or if it’s up in the air if he’s starting or not pic.twitter.com/352QA5cB7a

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 6, 2024

Wilson, the 13-year veteran, nine-time Pro Bowl honoree signed in March, was listed as questionable to play in the status report released by the Steelers on Friday. The 35-year-old aggravated an injury to his right calf Thursday and was listed as a limited practice participant Thursday and Friday.

“I just felt a little tight, and I just wanted to be smart about it,” Wilson said Friday after a practice in which he said he did only “a couple things.”

“Obviously we play the game on Sunday, and I’m hoping I could be in it.”

It was on reporting day to Saint Vincent for training camp when Wilson first suffered the calf injury. And while after two weeks he had returned to full practice, Wilson did not play extensively during preseason games.

Still, the calf ailment had seemed well behind him until Wilson felt some tightness early during individual drills Thursday.

“I think the biggest thing is, you hate these nagging things,” Wilson said. “I’ve been feeling great, honestly, the past few weeks. I’ve been really good, so just kind of felt funny (Thursday).

“If I can go (play Sunday), I’m going to go and try to do everything I can to help us win. And that’s how I think about it. And if not, I’m going to do everything I can help us win that way, too.”

Russell Wilson on his calf injury: pic.twitter.com/smjJWpy2zh

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 6, 2024

But if Wilson is unable to make his Steelers debut, another high-profile castoff quarterback will instead make his first start for the Steelers. The Chicago Bears moved on from Fields, the 11th overall pick in 2021, this spring when it became apparent they were going to use this draft’s top pick on quarterback Caleb Williams.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract (the Steelers in May declined a fifth-year option for 2025), Fields took plenty of reps with the first-team offense during those initial two weeks of camp when Wilson was out or limited. That allowed Fields to build chemistry with the receiving corps of George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III, Scotty Miller and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

“We all feel very comfortable playing with each other,” Fields said.

The Steelers submitted a sixth-round pick to Chicago for Fields — but that becomes a fourth rounder if Fields plays 51% of their offensive snaps this season. The road to hitting that number could begin as soon as Week 1 should Fields start the opener.

Fields insisted Friday he did not know, either way, if he would. He also said he would not require significant advance notice. Fields referenced how it was during Week 2 of his rookie season when then-starter Andy Dalton suffered a knee injury, quickly thrusting Fields into the starting role.

“He was just running out of bounds, and it looked like a normal play and he tweaked his knee,” Fields said. “And then right then and there, I was in.”

With 2,220 career rushing yards, Fields certainly brings a different dynamic to the position. Coach Mike Tomlin has teased strongly that — regardless of Wilson’s status — the Steelers could deploy Fields for certain situations or design packages for him to run.

Fields on Friday said although new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith consults with him on plays he might feel most comfortable with, the game plan will not change.

“It’s going to be cool going back home,” said Fields, who was born and went to high school in Kennesaw, Ga. “Especially the first game of the season, playing back in my home state.”