As he has done in recent weeks, Mike Tomlin is once again operating under the assumption that Justin Fields will start at quarterback for Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Tomlin, however, acknowledged that Russell Wilson’s workload will increase this week as he continues to work his way back from a calf injury.
Wilson has yet to play this season after aggravating his calf early in the regular season. With Wilson out, Fields led the Steelers to a 3-1 start. In a losing effort against the Colts this past Sunday, Fields made history becoming the first player in franchise history to throw for 300 yards, run for 50 yards and run for two touchdowns in a game.
“He’s going to have another strong day’s work today,” Tomlin said of Wilson during his weekly press conference. “We’ll see how he feels in the morning, and we’ll let that be our guide as far as his participation. But it looks like he’s in a place where his participation will get some practice.
“We’re not going to jump to too many conclusions, but we’re just going to start that process, and we’re going to comb that day by day, evaluate his ability to move and function and protect himself, and obviously, evaluate his level of productivity. And we’ll let that be our guide as to will we seriously consider as we push for game time this week.”
Tomlin acknowledged that the Steelers may reach a point where Wilson’s availability will be a moot point in terms of who will start at quarterback. Tomlin said he wasn’t there though.
When asked how Fields can help Tomlin get there, the Steelers coach gave a simple but transparent answer.
“Play well,” Tomlin said. “Win. That’s our business.”
He wasn’t perfect, but Fields consistently made his case to be Pittsburgh’s permanent starter. He can further bolster his case Sunday if he can help lead the Steelers to a win over the Cowboys, whose defense will be without pass rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and star linebacker Micah Parsons, who are both dealing with injuries.
Barring the unexpected, Fields will get another chance to make his case against the Cowboys, while Wilson is slated to spend another Sunday on the sideline.
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