Insider skeptical about Steelers starting Russell Wilson vs. Jets

Shortly after NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported that veteran quarterback Russell Wilson was "in line" to start over Justin Fields for Sunday's home game against the 2-4 New York Jets, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin hinted he was ready to make the switch to Wilson. 

For a piece published Wednesday, ESPN's Dan Graziano explained why he isn't yet buying that Fields has lost the QB1 job to Wilson.

"I'm a little bit skeptical, given everything I've heard over the past month and a half about how the staff there is happy with Fields' progress and the way he has grown as the season's gone along," Graziano said. "He has executed their game plans, avoided turnovers and won games. It's clear he still needs refining as a thrower, and that might be why Tomlin harbors some curiosity about what the offense would look like with Wilson in there. But anything Wilson might potentially be able to add with his arm would come at the cost of Fields' legs, which have been a weapon for the Steelers in the run game." 

Fields guided the Steelers to a 4-2 season start as Wilson recovered from a lingering calf issue. While it was reported earlier in the week that the 25-year-old "has had the support of" people within the Steelers "for a long time," it's thought Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith simply view Wilson as an upgrade at the position. 

Per Pro Football Reference, Fields heads into Week 7 ranked 20th in the NFL with a 54.0 adjusted QBR and 23rd with a 43.2% passing success rate this season. According to StatMuse, he's 18th in the league with a combined 1,337 passing and rushing yards. Meanwhile, the Steelers are 26th in total offense (298.3 yards per game). 

The Athletic's Mike DeFabo noted on Wednesday that Wilson "can still sling" the ball down the field and could add a "necessary spark through the air via well-timed, play-action deep shots." Graziano nevertheless believes "there's a nonzero chance this is Fields' job and he doesn't give it back" for the Jets game. 

On Tuesday, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said that the Steelers are likely to wait until the end of the week to make a final call on who starts at quarterback at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday night. As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Pittsburgh as a 1.5-point underdog for that matchup.