PITTSBURGH – Head coach Mike Tomlin has chosen not to disclose who will start as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback when they face the New York Jets on Sunday night.
However, the situation surrounding the team’s quarterback position is beginning to take shape.
Tomlin refrained from discussing the distribution of snaps between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields during practice earlier this week. Still, Wilson being described as “in consideration” to take the start for the first time this season points to the likelihood that he’ll make his debut for the Steelers under the lights, competing against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets.

Tomlin insisted that the decision regarding the starting quarterback would be made internally.
Despite this, several players mentioned that both Wilson and Fields took first-team snaps during practice sessions.
Wilson, at 35 years old, has gradually increased his participation in practice over the weeks, recovering from a calf injury he sustained in training camp, which was then further aggravated shortly before the season opener against Atlanta.
Although Fields has filled in admirably, leading the team to a 4-2 record, Wilson remains atop the team’s depth chart, despite Fields assuming the starting role during games.

In his remarks, Tomlin praised Fields for his performance in the season thus far but acknowledged that Wilson’s return could bring a shift in dynamics within the quarterback room.
“We have a talented player who hasn’t yet had the chance to showcase his abilities, so we’re looking to explore this option,” Tomlin commented.

Wilson, who signed a one-year contract at the veteran minimum last March, played only one series in the preseason.
Nevertheless, Tomlin expressed confidence in Wilson’s skills and experience, believing it wouldn’t take long for him to overcome the rust accumulated during his longest inactive period in his 13-year career.

Additionally, the Steelers might see the return of outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, who participated in Wednesday’s practice after being sidelined for three games due to a groin injury.
Highsmith shared his positive outlook, stating, “I’m feeling good, and my optimism is very high.
I just need to continue getting better and trending upwards.”

The team has faced significant challenges with injuries at the linebacker position, especially opposite star T.J. Watt.
In Highsmith’s absence, Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal were brought in to fill the gap, only for both players to suffer injuries themselves.
Herbig is currently out due to a hamstring injury and was also placed on injured reserve last week because of a neck issue.

Jeremiah Moon was claimed off waivers from Baltimore in February and took on a major role, playing 45 snaps at outside linebacker last week against the Raiders and contributing with a blocked punt on special teams—a play that Highsmith recognized as crucial to the game’s outcome.
“That blocked punt was pivotal,” Highsmith commented. “We attach tremendous value to special teams plays. Moon has a few years of experience under his belt and really stepped up admirably in challenging circumstances.”