Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that Russell Wilson still has the inside track on an open starting quarterback battle.
Tomlin told reporters Wednesday that Wilson won’t play in Friday’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans as he deals with a calf injury. Justin Fields will start and play a “couple series” with the first team.
“Very much is a competition,” Tomlin said. “What happens in stadium is weighted heavier than what happens in a practice setting.”
The preseason could give Fields a chance to gain ground on Wilson in the QB1 battle. However, Wilson stood atop a preliminary depth chart posted Tuesday night.
“You guys saw the depth chart that I released yesterday,” Tomlin said. “That is real.”
Tomlin added that he’s not concerned about the 35-year-old missing reps with his new offense. While Tomlin has indicated all summer that Wilson has the upper hand, he likes what he’s seen from Fields in training camp.
“I think he just comes to compete every day,” Tomlin said. “He’s got an awesome competitive spirit. We got a competitive environment, and it seems like he’s enjoying it. He’s doing a really good job of acclimating himself to it and his teammates and letting his talents show.”
The 25-year-old could make things more interesting with a strong preseason showing.
“I think everything is an audition,” Tomlin said. “Everything that we do is an audition not only for him but for others.”
Related: Mike Tomlin Announces Injury To Steelers QB Russell Wilson