Analyst skeptical of reports on Steelers’ Russell Wilson, Justin Fields

Former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Damien Woody is among those not yet buying that veteran Russell Wilson is already established as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback over Justin Fields.

“Russell Wilson obviously is in the pole position, but let’s not forget here: Football is played in pads, not in shorts,” Woody said during Thursday’s edition of the “NFL Live” program about Wilson leading Pittsburgh’s quarterback competition in the early days of summer, as shared by Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. “We get enamored with what’s going on in the spring. Russell Wilson’s…saying all the right things and…quarterback’s throwing on air. I’m waiting to see when the pads come on, when the real bullets are flying, then people will start separating themselves. It’s great in the spring, but come training camp, it’s a different story.”

Multiple Steelers reporters previously noted how Wilson emerged as the winner of the two quarterbacks amid springtime workouts and mandatory minicamp. However, The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo suggested on Thursday that Fields could give Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin something to think about by impressing during preseason games and showcasing “his speed and athleticism” against opposing defenses.

There also continue to be whispers about the Steelers possibly having at least a little buyer’s remorse regarding the signing of Wilson before they were able to get Fields from the Chicago Bears for just a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick.

“Yes, Russell Wilson, with his plethora of experience, he’s probably gonna get the starting nod,” Woody continued during the show segment. “But make no mistake about it. He’s gonna have to continue to play at a high level to hold off Justin Fields, and what Justin Fields brings to the equation, which is that rare athletic ability at the quarterback position.”

Woody’s final point is logical considering the Steelers aren’t committed to keeping either Wilson or Fields on the roster beyond the 2024 campaign. With that said, every indication is that Wilson will essentially have to fall on his face in training camp and/or in preseason appearances to lose the starting gig to Fields before Pittsburgh opens the regular season at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8.