‘I want to be here’: Starter-turned-backup QB Justin Fields hopes to return to Steelers in ’25
Justin Fields transitioned from starting the first six games of the season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback to a much smaller role in the final 10 games, a reduction he didn’t foresee.
However, the most challenging aspect for Fields was sitting out the last two games due to a lower abdominal injury. He sustained the injury when he was hit by Philadelphia Eagles safety Reed Blankenship during a slide on an 8-yard run midway through the second quarter in Week 15.
“I probably could’ve run at 75% in that game, but I couldn’t even throw the ball 5 yards without feeling pain,” Fields explained, acknowledging the injury and also attributing part of his inactivity to Blankenship’s unnecessary roughness penalty. “It’s tough. Early in the season, it’s easier to keep your body warm. Of course, you want to help the team whenever you can, but you have to be smart about the decisions we make.”
While Fields declared himself fully healthy for the season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, he also considered the risks of playing in special packages designed specifically for his running ability, where his intentions were clear to everyone.
Still, Fields had no hesitation in expressing his desire to return to the Steelers next season in a larger role.
“I want to be here,” Fields told TribLive. “I’m kind of tired of learning a new offense every year. This would be my third in four years. Of course, I’d love to stay, but ultimately, it’s up to God. I’ll be where He wants me to be.”
Drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bears in 2021, Fields had a 10-28 record in his three years as their starting quarterback before being traded to the Steelers for a conditional 2025 draft pick, likely a sixth-rounder, given his limited participation this season.
Fields helped lead the Steelers to a 4-2 record in his first six games, completing 106 of 161 passes (65.8%) for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns, along with rushing for 289 yards and five touchdowns on 62 carries.
His best performance came against the Indianapolis Colts, where he completed 22 of 34 passes for 312 yards and a touchdown, and rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a standout game in a 20-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, going 25 of 32 for 245 yards and a touchdown, adding another rushing touchdown.
After Russell Wilson returned from a calf injury and took over as the starting quarterback in Week 7, Fields watched all six of Wilson’s starts from the sideline, diligently analyzing his performance and seeking feedback from Wilson and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. However, he found self-analysis to be most beneficial.
“Watching yourself and critiquing yourself is the most valuable,” Fields said. “You’ve got to be your biggest critic to truly understand how well you’re playing.”
Following Wilson’s return, the Steelers promised to incorporate Fields into special packages, but he only saw limited action in four games. He rushed twice for 17 yards against the Ravens, carried three times for 26 yards and attempted an incomplete pass against the Browns, and had a 7-yard run to secure a win against the Bengals. His season was marred by the injury in Philadelphia.
“Watching from the sidelines taught me a lot,” Fields reflected. “It changes your perspective. Of course, I’d love to be on the field, but I’ll look back one day and see why it all happened. I’m taking it day by day, learning and improving.”
This marks growth for Fields, who appeared poised to break out in his second NFL season. He completed 60.5% of his passes, throwing 17 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, while rushing for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. He was only 63 yards shy of Lamar Jackson’s single-season rushing record for a quarterback.
However, his running also became a double-edged sword. Fields was sacked a league-high 55 times in 2022, and his rushing totals dropped in 2023 as defenses adjusted. He rushed for 657 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
“Of course, there’s the running aspect, but you want to be a threat with your arm and your legs,” Fields said. “There’s always room for improvement.”
His time as a backup to Wilson has proven valuable, as he has gained insights from the 13-year veteran and nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, both in practice and games.
“Russ has been great,” Fields said. “His job isn’t to mentor me, but he’s always willing to share his thoughts when I ask. I’m always picking his brain.”
Wilson has praised Fields, despite their competition for playing time and potential contracts next season.
“He’s a great player who works hard every day,” Wilson said. “He has a bright future ahead of him. He’s done a great job staying focused on growing each day.”
For Fields, the season with the Steelers has been a period of growth.
“It’s definitely been a season of growth, in every way,” Fields said. “Whether it’s developing footwork, getting smarter, or learning different defenses and schemes – Coach T’s been a huge help. I’ve definitely improved from last year.”
