Tomlin: Steelers would possibly stick to scorching hand at QB1

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin would possibly stick to the recent hand at quarterback even when Russell Wilson is again from his calf harm, however the Steelers coach stated on Tuesday that he is not but on the level of constructing that call.

“There is a potential for that, however we’re not there, as I stand right here as we speak,” Tomlin stated when requested if Justin Fields‘ efficiency via 4 video games is making Wilson’s well being immaterial to the beginning quarterback choice.

Tomlin additionally stated Fields’ efficiency may finally affect the Steelers’ method to bringing Wilson again from harm.

“It doubtlessly may, but it surely has not thus far,” Tomlin stated. “The guiding issue for us at this level is the quantity of ball that now we have in entrance of us, how early we’re on this course of. That is in all probability been one of many vital variables when it comes to our method to his rehabilitation.”

Late final season, Tomlin rode the recent hand in quarterback Mason Rudolph, beginning him in a sequence of must-win video games and within the wild-card recreation in opposition to the Buffalo Bills — even after former first-round choose Kenny Pickett was cleared to play following surgical procedure for a excessive ankle sprain. Requested if there was something Fields may do to show he ought to hold beginning, Tomlin was blunt.

“Play nicely, win,” Tomlin stated. “That is our enterprise.”

Although Tomlin stated he anticipated Wilson to ramp up his observe participation this week, the coach stated he is nonetheless getting ready for Fields to make his fifth begin Sunday in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys.

In discussing different accidents, Tomlin dominated out exterior linebacker Alex Highsmith and guard James Daniels, whereas letting observe participation dictate recreation availability for injured gamers Jaylen Warren (knee), MyCole Pruitt (knee), Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), Nick Herbig (ankle), Keeanu Benton (ankle) and Isaac Seumalo (pec).

“It looks like [Wilson] is in a spot the place his participation goes to select up some when it comes to a observe setting, a dwell pocket if you’ll,” Tomlin stated. “We cannot draw too many conclusions, however we’ll simply begin that course of, and we’ll comb via that day-to-day, consider his means to maneuver and performance and shield himself and clearly consider his stage of productiveness. We’ll let that be our information when it comes to whether or not we get into severe consideration as we push ahead towards recreation time this week.

“In a variety of methods, I am taking the identical posture that I’ve taken in latest weeks, however I am acknowledging that he is doing extra work as we speak than he did final Tuesday.”

Wilson has been a restricted participant in every observe and inactive every recreation since aggravating his coaching camp calf harm on Sept. 5.

With Wilson sidelined, Tomlin and Fields have begun constructing the muse of a relationship that Tomlin stated is greatest shaped in antagonistic, in-game conditions. The coach was complementary of Fields’ resolve within the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

“We have been down a number of scores within the fourth quarter, man, however I did not really feel any blink,” Tomlin stated. “Particularly, I did not really feel any blink in Justin. We have talked about his regular demeanor in latest weeks. By way of the issues that I’ve grown to know and perceive about him, I feel it is actually on show in moments like that. … You actually get a chance to develop a relationship within the midst of adversity and competitors.

“I am not making an attempt to microwave our relationship, if you’ll. And so being in circumstances, it is a chance for him to get to know me, me to get to know him and to battle and battle collectively, however not just for him however a variety of new guys.

Fields accounted for 3 second-half touchdowns, bouncing again from a sack, fumble and 20-yard loss on third down within the third quarter when he tried to elude strain and slipped and fell.

Finishing 22 of 34 makes an attempt for 312 yards, Fields turned the primary participant in Steelers historical past with 300 passing yards, 50 dashing yards and a pair of dashing touchdowns in a recreation, per ESPN Analysis.

“Once you’re in these moments and also you get a chance to point out who you might be in these moments, there’s much less hypothesis,” Tomlin stated of what he has realized about Fields. “And so some issues that I used to be speculating about considerably final week about his regular demeanor … simply acquired solidified and verified with the challenges that we confronted [vs. the Colts].”