Justin Fields shines for Steelers in former Wisconsin quarterback’s absence

Justin Fields shines for Steelers in former Wisconsin quarterback’s absence

Former Wisconsin and current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson missed his third straight game to start the 2024 season on Sunday. He’s still out with an ongoing calf injury.

In his absence, former Chicago Bear Justin Fields registered 25 completions, 245 passing yards, one passing touchdown and one interception in the Steelers’ 20-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Pittsburgh.

Fields also recorded six carries for six yards and a rushing score during what became his best performance of 2024.

The former Ohio State Buckeye flashed his passing brilliance with a 55-yard touchdown strike to speedster wide receiver Calvin Austin III. The touchdown would ultimately become the game-clinching score in the final frame to push the Steelers to 3-0 on the season.

Fields also finished the contest with a passer rating of 96.0 and a completion percentage over 78%. Outside of his interception, which bounced off multiple Steelers and Chargers, Fields played efficient football for the entirety of Sunday’s game against a respectable defense.

With the Steelers unbeaten through three games, there is no reason for head coach Mike Tomlin to rush Wilson back onto the field. Besides, the former Super Bowl champion’s most recent tenure with the Denver Broncos didn’t end all that well.

In two seasons with the Broncos, Wilson went 11-19 and looked like a completely different player compared to his Seattle days.

For the third straight game, Wilson donned a full uniform, eye black and a head set throughout the entire contest while overseeing Fields and the Steelers’ offense. All signs point to Fields starting once more in Week 4.