Justin Fields's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields will start against the Houston Texans in Friday's preseason contest, and the first-team offense will get "a couple series," according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Veteran Russell Wilson (calf) is dealing with a calf injury and won't suit up, so this is a perfect opportunity for Fields to show what he can do after a mostly disappointing three-year career with the Chicago Bears. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State flashed as a runner with Chicago, but his 60.3% completion percentage and 40 passing touchdowns to 30 interceptions in 40 career games left a lot to be desired. Wilson is still likely to start in Week 1 of the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons, but Fields could be promoted to the QB1 job by midseason if Wilson continues to regress.

Quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) entered training camp in "pole position," and it appeared that the starting job would be his to lose in his first year with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his calf injury has led to Justin Fields taking nearly all of the first-team repetitions. Fields struggled early on but has since looked better. Wilson is still likely in the lead for the starting job in Week 1, but if Fields can make routine and splash plays consistently, ESPN's Brooke Pryor thinks he might make this more of a competition that it initially appeared to be. Wilson is the safe option for Pittsburgh because of his experience and leadership qualities, but the aging signal-caller didn't look very good the last two years in Denver and has a low fantasy ceiling at this point. While Fields has been much too inconsistent early in his career, he undoubtedly has more big-play ability than Wilson, especially with his legs.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields has impressed in camp while filling in for Russell Wilson (calf),who is sidelined with a calf injury. Fields has consistently improved throughout training camp, from making highlight-reel throws to delivering steady, play-by-play performances. "Justin has really taken advantage of the opportunity for additional snaps because Russ's been out some here the first week," said head coach Mike Tomlin. Fields has finished among the top quarterbacks in fantasy points per game over the last two seasons, ranking QB5 in 2022 and QB12 in 2023. Although Fields might not elevate the overall passing game in Pittsburgh, he has demonstrated the ability to support a top fantasy wide receiver, so George Pickens should remain a strong option. However, Fields' presence could impact the rushing opportunities for Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, potentially limiting their touches.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are "open-minded" about the possibility of Justin Fields winning the starting quarterback role this summer. Although Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin suggested in March that Russell Wilson (calf) was in the leading position for the job, he did not wholly dismiss Fields as a contender. Tomlin decided to rest Wilson after a calf injury sustained during the team's conditioning test on Wednesday, prioritizing caution. Despite Wilson's more impressive resume, Fields offers considerable potential. The former Bears quarterback has demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities, rushing for over 1,100 yards two years agosomething new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will likely appreciate. While Fields might be a downgrade for the overall passing game in Pittsburgh, he has proven capable of supporting a top fantasy wide receiver, so George Pickens should remain a solid option. The more significant impact might be on Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, as Fields could reduce their rushing opportunities.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields was surprised early Thursday morning to learn that he would take all the reps with the first-team offense on the first day of Steelers' training camp. Mike Tomlin decided to hold Russell Wilson out for the time being with a sore calf muscle. "I decided to sit (Wilson) down today and create a little short-term discomfort for him, not allowing the small problem to become a bigger problem," Tomlin said. He characterized Wilson as day-to-day. Meanwhile, Fields looked sharp during portions of Thursday's practice and, at other times, looked like someone still trying to figure it out. The Steelers shocked the world when they brought in both Wilson and Fields this offseason, and a bit of a quarterback competition would probably do them both some good. Wilson -- if healthy -- appears to be locked in as Pittsburgh's starter, but this will be a situation to monitor all the way up until Week 1.