Steelers coach Mike Tomlin claims ‘depth chart is real’ after strange Russell Wilson-Justin Fields decision

PITTSBURGH Steelers coach Mike Tomlin addressed the team’s quarterback depth chart on Wednesday.

The Steelers released their first official depth chart Tuesday night, with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback and Justin Fields listed as the backup.

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“You saw the depth chart I released yesterday,” Tomlin said.

“This is real.”

Wilson has been dealing with a calf injury throughout training camp and will not play in Friday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Fields will have the opportunity to show what he can do, as Tomlin revealed he will play “a few series.”

Friday’s preseason game could allow Fields to propel himself above Wilson on the depth chart.

“I think everything is a test,” Tomlin said.

“Everything we do is a test not just for him but for others.”

In addition to Wilson, TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, Isaac Seumalo, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Queen will also not participate in Friday night’s game.

Tomlin revealed that the reason for the star’s absence is his veteran status or a minor injury.

Despite being told he wouldn’t play in Friday’s game, Wilson is ready to play when called upon.

“I’m ready to play,” Wilson said.

“I know that. Therefore, the coach’s decision is whatever it may be. [is].

“Obviously he’s the boss who makes the decisions on that, but I’ll be ready to go.

“There were several [preseasons] where I haven’t played, so it’s nothing new.

“I think I was lucky enough to play, I don’t know, 200 games or something like that.

“I don’t know how many there are now. So I know what it’s like, I know the speed.”

Wilson also did not participate in any preseason games in 2022, when he started for the Denver Broncos.

Tomlin has maintained that the starting quarterback position is still a competition, even though Wilson is ahead of Fields.

“It’s a competition,” Tomlin said.

“What happens in a stadium has more weight than what happens in training.”

Although Wilson was a spectator for most of training camp, he participated in the team’s “seven-shot” drill on Tuesday.

Wilson handed off the ball and threw a touchdown to wide receiver George Pickens and completed another pass to him in an 11-on-11 drill.

“A lot of it is trusting the doctors and the coaches,” Wilson said about practicing more.

“So obviously every morning I wake up really early and train and get ready to rock and roll.

“We try to be really smart about how much I’m doing every day, but we’re also pushing it.”

Fields has impressed with the first-team attack in training while Wilson recovers from a calf injury.

“I think he comes to compete every day,” Tomlin said of Fields.

“He has an incredible competitive spirit.

“We have a competitive environment and he seems to be enjoying it.

“He’s doing a great job of getting used to it and his teammates and letting his talent come out.”

Fields isn’t taking advantage of the opportunity to take the first-team offense for granted.

“I’m just trying to enjoy every rep I get,” Fields said.

“I know if he wasn’t hurt, I wouldn’t be in this position. So it’s just opportunities for me.”

Meanwhile, the Steelers acquired Wilson after Denver released him following the 2023 season, signing him to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.

Fields was acquired via trade with the Chicago Bears in March.

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