Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson was “in consideration” to start Sunday night against the Jets.
The Bears will be watching. Justin Fields has been starting for the Steelers (4-2) all season. The sixth-round pick the team sent to the Bears for Fields in March will become a fourth-rounder if he plays at least 51% of the Steelers’ snaps this season. To get there, he needs to play the rough equivalent of three more full games.
Fields was named the starter after Wilson hurt his calf in the preseason. Wilson did not receive an injury designation Sunday for the first time, though he did not play. Tomlin said he grew comfortable with Wilson’s health for the first time after he made it through practices last week.
Tomlin implied that each player would receive significant snaps during the practice week. An NFL Network report characterized Wilson as “in line” to start.
“We’ll see where that leads us,” he said.
Fields has led the Steelers to a 4-2 record but has provided a flawed offensive attack. He won 32-12 against the Raiders on Sunday — but completed 14-of-24 passes for just 145 yards and a passer rating of 75.9.
Fields ranks 22nd among NFL quarterbacks with 1,106 passing yards and 15th with a 93.9 passer rating this season. The Steelers are 24th in yards per play and 20th in points per game with Fields at the helm. His 231 rushing yards rank fourth among quarterbacks.
