The Pittsburgh Steelers have been embroiled in a QB controversy for the entire summer. The Steelers replaced Kenny Pickett and friends with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Pittsburgh's coaching staff has made it clear that Russell Wilson won that training camp battle. However, Wilson's calf injury is forcing Fields into the QB1 role for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, with the Steelers announcing Wilson as inactive.
Wilson was examined by the team ahead of Sunday's game in Atlanta, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport. While Wilson was hoping to play, signs were pointing toward Fields getting the nod, and that has now been confirmed. Wilson missing this game is a major development for Pittsburgh after an intense training camp battle.
Previewing Steelers vs. Falcons with Justin Fields at QB
The Steelers will be even further behind the eight-ball now that they have to turn to Justin Fields due to Russell Wilson's injury.
Pittsburgh was already an underdog with a betting line of +3.5 earlier this week when Wilson was the assumed starter. That margin should certainly increase if Fields is forced into action.
The Steelers have known about this injury situation since late this week, so it is reasonable to assume they've had some time to come up with a backup plan. If Pittsburgh was able to come up with a solid gameplan for Fields, that could become a real advantage for the Steelers. Especially if the Falcons defense is prepared to defend a Russell Wilson-led offense.
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Fields starting against the Falcons also changes the dynamic of the ongoing competition between the two QBs. Wilson did win the nod in Week 1, but the expectation was always that Fields would eventually see the field. Fields has a chance to play well and capture Pittsburgh's starting job right away, an opportunity that nobody thought was possible even earlier this week.
The Falcons do not have the best defense, which could make this a fortunate start for Fields.
Steelers fans should expect offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to condense the gameplan with Field starting against the Falcons.
