The Pittsburgh Steelers have a different feel this year.
Last summer, fans tried talking themselves into the Kenny Pickett hype, despite major questions following his rookie season. This time around, the Steelers have a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback and a 25-year-old dual-threat QB coming off his best season.
Granted, both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have a lot to prove. Though showcasing their talents in training camp is half the battle, the other half is showing up during the preseason.
This is something that Russell Wilson will not do. Mike Tomlin confirmed in his pre-game press conference on August 7 that Wilson, along with a handful of veterans, will not be lacing up to take the field against the Houston Texans on Friday for the Steelers' season-opener in Pittsburgh.
For Justin Fields, this is yet another opportunity to develop chemistry with the starters and prove himself to the coaching staff. But how long can we expect the dynamic quarterback to stay on the field this week?
Justin Fields will start Steelers preseason opener, but play sparingly
Even though Russell Wilson won't be taking the stage for his first game in a Steelers uniform, that doesn't mean Justin Fields is going to see a lot of work in his stead. Tomlin confirmed that Fields will start in the Steelers' preseason game against the Texans on Friday, but playing time will be limited.
Brooke Pryor of ESPN posted a quote on 'X' from Tomlin, noting that Fields will run with the first-team offense and get 'a couple series' in the opener.
Justin Fields and the first unit offense will get "a couple series" in the preseason game vs. Texans on Friday night, Mike Tomlin says.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 7, 2024
This is to be expected. Historically, the Steelers' opening preseason game typically includes limited playing time by the starters very early in the game. Based on Tomlin's response, it sounds like Fields is going to exit the contest before the clock ticks down to the end of the first quarter.
In Week 2 of the preseason, when the Steelers host the Buffalo Bills, you can expect to see Fields stay on the field longer (though Wilson is likely to return and earn playing time with the starters). Week 3, the final week of exhibition action, is expected to consist primarily of backups who will attempt to make one final case for the 53-man roster. Fields will likely dress for the final week of the preseason, but his playing time will be limited.
If Tomlin sticks to his guns this week and only gives Fields a few series, it likely means that everything went smoothly. Playing him longer than expected won't be a good sign unless the coaching staff decides they want to get a longer look on Friday.
Just because Justin Fields is expected to exit the game early doesn't mean there aren't a plethora of other reasons to watch the Steelers vs. Texans preseason game this week.