Steelers Name Russell Wilson Starting Quarterback for Season Opener

russell wilson steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially named Russell Wilson their starting quarterback for the 2024 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Wednesday. This decision comes after an offseason of speculation and competition between Wilson and Justin Fields.

Wilson, who joined the Steelers on a one-year deal in March, maintained his “pole position” for the starting role despite missing a significant portion of training camp due to a calf injury. The veteran quarterback’s experience and preseason performance ultimately secured him the top spot on the depth chart.

Justin Fields, acquired from the Chicago Bears in a March trade for a conditional sixth-round pick, will serve as Wilson’s backup. While Tomlin insisted throughout the preseason that the two were competing for the starting job, Wilson appeared to have the edge from the outset.

In the final preseason game, Wilson’s brief but efficient performance solidified his status. He played just five snaps, leading the first-team offense on a scoring drive before being pulled from the game. This limited exposure contrasted with Fields’ more extensive preseason playing time.

Preseason statistics for both quarterbacks:

  • Justin Fields: 56 snaps, 19/27 completions, 199 yards, 1 scoring drive, 8.3 air yards per attempt
  • Russell Wilson: 25 snaps, 10/12 completions, 73 yards, 1 scoring drive, 5.7 air yards per attempt

Wilson’s last NFL start came in Week 16 of the 2023 season with the Denver Broncos, before being benched for the final two games. Interestingly, the Steelers will face the Broncos in Week 2 of the upcoming season, adding an intriguing storyline to Wilson’s debut season in Pittsburgh.

The nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion finished the 2023 season with impressive numbers: 26 touchdowns to just 8 interceptions. However, protection issues were evident as he endured 45 sacks. Fields, in his 13 starts for the Bears last season, threw for 16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while being sacked 44 times.

As the Steelers prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Wilson to see if he can recapture the form that made him one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. The team’s decision to start Wilson suggests they believe his experience and leadership can elevate the Steelers’ offense in the competitive AFC North.