Why is Justin Fields not starting? Insider reveals Mike Tomlin's reasoning for benching Steelers QB for SNF clash vs. Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers started the season with a 4-2 record, but even then, the team still decided to undergo a quarterback change. During Week 7's Sunday Night Football game against the New York Jets, the starter quarterback for the team will be Russell Wilson instead of Justin Fields.

This will be the first game of the season where Wilson will play. He was inactive until this point, and according to head coach Mike Tomlin, had to "prove that he was healthy" before the team could decide on whether he would be the starter.

Why isn't Justin Fields starting today vs. Jets?

Jay Glazer spoke to Mike Tomlin and reported their conversation on "The Inside Scoop":

"I spoke to Mike Tomlin about it last night and he said, 'Look, I went lone ranger on it.'" And he said, 'Look, if it doesn't work out, I'll take the heat, I'll shoulder the blame, no problem.

"'The reason why I did this is I know I had two quarterbacks going into camp that are very capable, but I wanted to see both of them before I made a long-term decision.

"'Well, I haven't seen the other one. I want to see at least what I have from him, exhaust all options, and then make a decision down the stretch. I'm not trying to win games, I'm trying to win a world title here. I got to see what I got in both.'"

Wilson was expected to be the starter quarterback for the team in the 2024 season, but he suffered a calf injury midway through training camp and the team had Fields starting for the first six weeks. Although they had a winning record prior to Week 7, Tomlin decided to change quarterbacks anyway.

What are Justin Fields' stats in the 2024 season for the Steelers?

In his six games as the starter for the Steelers, Fields had 5 touchdown passes and 1 interception. He completed 66.3% of his passes and threw for 1.106 yards.

What really stood out during his performances was that he wasn't winning through the air. His biggest quality since his days with the Chicago Bears has been his mobility, also proven by the stats: he has had 231 rushing yards and five touchdowns to this day.

In previous stances, Tomlin said that it was likely that he would design some offensive packages to put Fields on the field, stating the quarterback had "too much talent to sit around on the bench". We'll see against the Jets if that holds true.

Ultimately, he decided to ride with the veteran. Considering Wilson's age and his limited mobility, the Steelers' offense will change quite a bit, especially about how the quarterback will operate from the pocket. Nevertheless, if things don't go well, the coach could well make another change.