While he has not officially declared him the starting quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has signaled that Justin Fields will remain the starter for their Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
“As we walk into the building tomorrow, my focus is on Justin being prepared to start and doing everything necessary to achieve that,” Tomlin stated, as reported by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. He added that the team’s plans could change later in the week depending on the practice participation of Russell Wilson, who is currently dealing with an injury. If Wilson shows improvement, Tomlin might reconsider the starting lineup; however, if he doesn’t, Fields will continue to lead the offense.
Fields, the former 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021, was let go this offseason when the Bears chose to draft Caleb Williams from USC as their new franchise quarterback. This decision effectively ended Fields’ inconsistent run with the team. However, he has made a strong impression since joining the Steelers, completing 55 of 75 pass attempts for an impressive 73.3% completion rate. He has accumulated 518 passing yards, thrown for two touchdowns, and rushed for another touchdown in his first three starts of the 2024 season.
The Steelers have thrived under Fields, maintaining an undefeated 3-0 record during his tenure. He stepped in as a replacement for veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who initially held the starting position but suffered an injury. Given the team’s success, it seems unlikely that Tomlin would opt to change quarterbacks at this juncture.
In addition to the quarterback situation, the Steelers are also managing injuries among other key players. Running back Najee Harris, who sustained an arm injury last Sunday, is expected to be ready for the Colts game. The former first-round pick has rushed for 209 yards on 55 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt throughout the season.
On the defensive side, linebacker Alex Highsmith is anticipated to miss multiple weeks due to injury. He has recorded six tackles and one sack this year, adding depth to a defense that will need to adjust without him.
As the Steelers prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Colts, the focus remains on maintaining momentum. Fields’ performance has reinvigorated the team’s offense, and with Harris likely returning, they will aim to build on their strong start. Tomlin’s decision-making will be crucial as he navigates the challenges of injuries and the need for consistency in the lineup moving forward.