NFL Rumors: Justin Fields to Remain Steelers QB1 as Russell Wilson Eyes Week 5 Return

Kevin C. Cox/ Russell Wilson's calf injury means Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hasn't been forced to name an official starter in the veteran's quarterback battle with Justin Fields.

But that could change ahead of the Week 5 game against the Dallas Cowboys.

While Wilson is sidelined for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wilson is "as close to full health as he's been" and would "for sure" be available if this was a playoff game.

Rapoport also reported the expectation is Fields will be named the starter for the Week 5 game, though, when Wilson could be available.

Tomlin did not exactly offer much clarity Tuesday when discussing the situation.

"Because there's no need," he told reporters when asked why he hadn't made Fields the official long-term starter. "I explained to you the variables of the week. It has not changed. He's going to walk in this building with that mindset tomorrow, and so really, there's no need to. Sometimes in this business, man, there's a myriad of complex decisions that need to be made.

"I've learned to make them when it's appropriate and it's not necessary as we sit here right now, when Russ gets to an appropriate point of health and we have a decision to make, I'll make it and I'll announce it and I'll be really transparent about it, but until then, I don't care how many ways you guys ask me, I got no intentions of making the decision that's unnecessary at this juncture."

Wilson's impending return will change the situation, but Fields has Pittsburgh at 3-0 and has done exactly what the team is looking for in the early portion of the season.

He threw for a season-high 245 yards in the Week 3 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers and has three total touchdowns to one interception this season. The lack of turnovers is particularly important, as Pittsburgh's defense is one of the best in the league and should keep the AFC North team in every game it plays.

Fields has proven throughout his career that he can be a dynamic playmaker with his legs.

While he never lived up to the expectations of being a franchise quarterback from a throwing perspective with the Chicago Bears, the Steelers don't need him to throw the ball 50 times a game given their overall roster makeup.

All he has done is win in 2024, and it doesn't seem like Tomlin is going to change that formula even when Wilson is available.