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Steelers Reportedly Set to Start Russell Wilson at Quarterback

Steelers QB Russell Wilson
Steelers QB Russell Wilson

The Steelers are reportedly riding with Russell Wilson heading into Week 7.

Pittsburgh will give Wilson the first-team practice reps instead of Justin Fields, who has helped the Steelers get out to a 4-2 start, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Ravens and Steelers are tied atop the AFC North, with Baltimore ahead in the standings due to a 1-0 record in the division. The rivals will meet in Weeks 11 and 16.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin did not confirm Tuesday's reports, saying he'll see how things play out during the week. He said the decision will be made "closer to game time."

"Last week, we were scheduled for Russ to work in totality," Tomlin said. "He did that over the course of the week. I got comfortable with his ability to display his health. Now it's about knocking the rust off."

However, Wilson is atop Pittsburgh's depth chart and Tomlin said he is fully healthy.

Fields has had an up and down run as the Steelers' starter the first six weeks. He completed a career-high 66.3% of his passes but averaged just 184 passing yards per game. The Steelers rank 28th in the NFL in passing.

He generally took care of the football, only throwing one interception to five touchdowns, though a red-zone interception was waved off Sunday in Las Vegas due to a roughing the passer penalty.

Fields has done much of his damage with his legs, as he's rushed for 231 yards and five touchdowns. He's picked up 17 first downs running, which is something that Wilson, at this stage of his career, will not do.

"Justin's legs are an X-Factor," Tomlin said.

While Pittsburgh's defense ranks No. 2 in the league, surrendering just 14.3 points per game, the Steelers are looking to get their offense in gear with a tougher slate of games ahead.

After back-to-back primetime games against the New York teams (Jets then Giants), Pittsburgh will play all six of its divisional games, plus games against the Commanders, Eagles, and Chiefs.

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