Mike Tomlin – “No need” to name Justin Fields the Steelers’ QB1

PITTSBURGH – Despite preparing for quarterback Justin Fields to start for the undefeated Steelers for the fourth straight game on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, coach Mike Tomlin declined to name him the starter, replacing the veteran Will replace Russell Wilson, who is out with a calf injury.

“Because there’s no need,” Tomlin said when asked why he wouldn’t name Fields the permanent starting quarterback. “I explained to you the variables of the week. Nothing has changed. He's going to walk through this building tomorrow with that attitude, and there's really no need for that. Sometimes in this business, man, there are a lot of complex decisions that have to be made.

“I've learned to make them when it's appropriate and not necessary because we're sitting here right now, if Russ reaches a reasonable state of health and we have to make a decision, I will make it and announce it,” and I will Be really transparent about it, but until then, no matter how many times you ask me, I have no intention of making the decision, which is unnecessary at this point.

However, Tomlin was vague when asked to elaborate on what was an appropriate medical condition for Wilson, who first injured his calf during the team's conditioning test in late July on the eve of training camp.

“We’ll know when we get there,” Tomlin said. “Not only will he be healthy when it comes to protecting himself, but he'll be healthy when it comes to being productive and doing the things that he needs to do and that we need him to do. “

As in the past two weeks, Wilson will have limited participation in Wednesday's practice. But Tomlin said they would re-evaluate Wilson's status at the end of the week if his participation in practice increases throughout the week. Wilson has been inactive, serving as the team's third emergency quarterback in every game this season.

“When we walk into the building tomorrow, I want Justin to be completely focused on starting for us and doing what it takes to be ready,” Tomlin said. “… We'll see where the week takes us. If (Wilson's) availability or the quality of his practice participation increases, we might consider that later in the week. If not, then things will get better.” “That’s out of the question and we’ll just carry on where we are.”

Tomlin initially named Wilson the starting quarterback following an open training camp competition, although Wilson was given the “pole position” for the job shortly after signing a one-year contract with the Steelers in free agency. He was ready to start in the season opener in Atlanta until he aggravated a calf injury on Thursday of the first week of training camp. Since then, Fields has started in Wilson's place and helped the team to a 3-0 start, which he capped off with his best performance of the season in a win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Fields completed 25 of 32 passes for 245 yards with two touchdowns (one rushing, one passing) and one interception in the 20-10 win.

While Tomlin acknowledged Fields played well in his three games, including only one turnover, he said the former first-round pick's performance wasn't factored into his decision to add a long-term starter at the position.

“Justin played well and that’s exciting for him and for us, but that doesn’t surprise me,” Tomlin said. “And I haven't looked at it from a decision-making perspective because it's not that far yet.” And while Wilson continues to miss time, Tomlin acknowledged concerns about his ability to transition into a new system post-injury are diminishing are significant since Wilson has been in the league for more than a decade. But when asked if there is a point at which Wilson might not be able to jump on the proverbial bandwagon because it's going too fast, Tomlin deflected.

“I don’t know, man,” he said. “We’ll know when we get there.”