The Pittsburgh Steelers have had one of the more talked about quarterback situations in the NFL during the 2024 season. They brought in two intriguing names during the offseason in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, which was always going to lead to some discourse about who should be the starting quarterback. It got even more interesting when Wilson suffered a calf injury early on in training camp, which opened the door up a bit for Fields. The fourth-year quarterback began the year and led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record, but he was replaced by Wilson once the veteran returned to full health.
The offense looks the best it has with Wilson at the helm, and Pittsburgh also knows it has one of the most reliable backups in the league in Fields. Fields will be ready if he is ever needed in a game, but he also serves a bigger purpose during weeks of preparation. The backup serves as the scout team quarterback to help the defense prepare, and this especially comes in handy when the Steelers are getting ready to take on dynamic passers. Insider Brian Batko spoke with Donte Jackson for an article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and the cornerback spoke about how important it is that Fields can take that role on.
"It helps a lot. Not every team gets to simulate that type of style at practice,” Jackson said. “You can't take it for granted when you have a guy like that. Justin’s been outstanding. He’s been the utmost professional from that standpoint.”
Fields was able to take on the role of scout team quarterback while the team was preparing to play the Washington Commanders and rookie phenom Jayden Daniels. Fields is a proficient passer and is one of the best running quarterbacks in the league, which means he can emulate any quarterback.
Most teams in the NFL have to resort to having a wide receiver or some skill position player playing scout team quarterback when they are preparing to play someone like Daniels. It is usually a player that played quarterback in high school, but that is a lot different than having a professional in that role. Fields has the instincts of a quarterback, which gives him the ability to give the defense the best look possible throughout practices.
Fields should certainly be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and his future past the 2024 season is unknown, but his professionalism and willingness to contribute throughout the year will make him a high-profile target in free agency after the season.
Steelers Will Be Relying On Justin Fields Heavily During The Second Half Of The 2024 Season
Fields is likely the scout team quarterback every week, but his role will be crucial during the second half of the season. Pittsburgh has many matchups against dynamic quarterbacks that can use their legs to extend plays. Pittsburgh will be taking on Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, and Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens twice. During those weeks Fields will be relied upon to help get the defense ready.
This last stretch of the regular season is a gauntlet for Pittsburgh. They will be taking on all six of their divisional games while also playing other teams with impressive records. The Steelers will need to see a lot of success against strong competition in order to punch their ticket to the postseason, and Fields is a good tool to have while trying to do that.
