The Steelers go into Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Russell Wilson listed as the third emergency quarterback.
Wilson was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday dealing with calf tightness. It’s the same calf he injured in training camp that forced him to miss practice time and the first two preseason games.
With Wilson as the emergency quarterback, it will be quarterback Justin Fields who starts on Sunday.
The Steelers acquired Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears in exchange for a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2025 this offseason.
Fields was selected by the Bears in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the 11th overall pick. In three seasons he has played in 40 games, starting 38 of them.
“His athleticism is freaky,” said Coach Mike Tomlin a week ago of Fields. “I’ve seen the highlights and things of that nature, but being an AFC coach, you don’t always get a chance to feel it or really pay attention to it.
“To see some of the things he’s capable of doing on the football field is really exciting.”
Fields said he approaches every week as if he is a starter, allowing him to be prepared this week.
“I have the same process every week,” said Fields on Friday. “I learned my rookie year how fast things can change. I remember my third game rookie season, Andy Dalton, he was just running out of bounds, it looked like a normal play, and he tweaked his knee and right then and there I was in. I always prepare like I’m a starter and you never know what can happen.”
Fields got extensive work in training camp and the preseason with the first team offense, something that will benefit him.
“Me talking to the guys in the huddle, getting reps with GP (George Pickens), Van (Jefferson), Calvin (Austin III), Scotty (Miller) and those guys,” said Fields. “The coaches, they do a great job of rotating. You’re pretty much going to get reps with all the players on…
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