Following the Steelers’ 24-17 loss in Saturday's preseason finale, Tomlin told reporters he still wasn’t ready to announce his decision.
Mike Tomlin says he will make a decision on a starting quarterback at the end of next week. #Steelerspic.twitter.com/pNJdqotcmc
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) August 24, 2024
Wilson, who nursed a calf injury at the start of preseason, has started each of Pittsburgh's final two preseason contests. Across six total drives, he completed 10-of-12 passes for 73 yards.
Fields appeared in all three of Pittsburgh’s preseason games. He started the opener (when Wilson was absent due to injury) and played the entire second half of the Steelers’ second exhibition against the Bills. Across 11 series, Fields completed 19-of-27 passes for 199 yards.
Neither quarterback threw a touchdown or interception this preseason.
The Steelers are hoping Wilson or Fields can adequately replace Kenny Pickett, the former first-rounder who was traded to the Eagles in March. Wilson, 35, signed a league-minimum one-year, $1.21 million free-agent deal with Pittsburgh this offseason following his release from the Broncos after two seasons. Fields, acquired via trade from the Bears this offseason, is due $3.2 million this year; Pittsburgh declined to pick up his $25 million fifth-year rookie option.
Tomlin’s decision will, of course, have a massive influence on Pittsburgh’s success this season. The Steelers’ over/underwin total is set at 8.5, with +110 odds to the over.
Last season, Pittsburgh’s over/under win total was set at the same mark. The Steelers went over, finishing 10-7.
Since Tomlin became Pittsburgh’s head coach in 2007, the Steelers have yet to have a losing regular-season record and have won nine games or more in 14 of his 16 seasons in charge.
The must-have app for NFL bettors
The best NFL betting scoreboard
Free picks from proven pros
Live win probabilities for your bets
