Steelers HC Mike Tomlin hints unnecessary QB change could be coming in Week 7

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 and coming off a win in which they scored the second-most points since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season. But that isn't stopping head coach Mike Tomlin from making a potential change at quarterback.

On Tuesday, Tomlin told reporters that quarterback Russell Wilson is "in consideration" to start in Week 7 against the New York Jets (2-4) on "Sunday Night Football."

Tomlin added that he'll make the decision later in the week, but it sounds like he wants to give Wilson a chance to prove himself.

"Justin (Fields) has been really good," Tomlin said. "But not to be confused with great. This is a competitive league, man. ... We're just looking at all of the people at our disposal."

Fields has done everything asked of him while Wilson has been sidelined with his calf injury. Through the first six weeks of the season, he's thrown for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception while also rushing for 231 yards and another five scores.

The 25-year-old's dual-threat ability has also come in handy as Pittsburgh's offensive line has dealt with several injuries to begin the year. 

The Steelers lost yet another starter on their offensive line on Sunday. Rookie center Zach Frazier suffered an ankle injury and has already been ruled out this week. That doesn't bode well for Pittsburgh against the Jets, who are entering the contest tied for the third-most sacks (20) in the league.

Tomlin acknowledged that the 35-year-old Wilson does not have the same ability to escape the rush that Fields does.

"No he does not," Tomlin stated.

So that's why Tomlin said there is "certainly" a scenario that both quarterbacks could see the field on Sunday night. Still, only one will get the start, and it seems to be trending in Wilson's direction. 

Tomlin isn't willing to commit to whichever quarterback gets the start this week, though.

"No, that would not be fair to say," Tomlin concluded when asked if it would be fair to say that whoever starts this week will remain the starter until health or performance proves otherwise.

Tomlin has always stuck with the hot hand, but that doesn't seem to be the case this week in what could be an unnecessary change at quarterback.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.