It’s been a while since fans have seen Justin Fields take a snap for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Since leading the team to a 32-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, Fields has been sidelined, first with a hamstring injury and later as part of the team’s quarterback shuffle. In the meantime, the Steelers have turned to Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback, and Pittsburgh has rattled off three straight wins, including a thrilling 28-27 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
But the plot thickens for Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation, as head coach Mike Tomlin has teased the potential for Justin Fields to make a significant impact on offense—just not in the traditional way. The Steelers could utilize Fields’ elite speed and playmaking ability in a special package, offering an intriguing wrinkle to their offense moving forward. It’s a development that could shake up the dynamic of Pittsburgh’s offensive game plan, especially as they look to keep the momentum going into the second half of the season.
The Plan for Fields: A Selective Approach
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith gave an update Thursday on the team’s plans for the fourth-year quarterback. According to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com, Smith emphasized that while Pittsburgh has a designated package ready for Fields, the team is being cautious and selective about when to break it out.
“We’ll be ready to go when we need it,” Smith said. “Maybe it’ll be this Sunday, maybe it’ll be next Sunday. I’m very confident when we break it out, it will make a difference.”
For Steelers fans, this development is both exciting and curious. Justin Fields’ speed and dual-threat ability could provide a dynamic element to an offense that’s been riding the veteran presence of Wilson. But Pittsburgh isn’t rushing to unveil Fields’ role, preferring instead to wait for the right moment when they can maximize the impact of his unique skill set. Whether that’s in a critical situation or as a tactical surprise, it’s clear the Steelers are ready to deploy Fields when it matters most.
Fields’ Impact So Far
Fields’ role on the Steelers has been limited, but he’s shown flashes of why he was such a coveted prospect coming out of Ohio State. Through the first six weeks of the season, Fields completed 106 of 160 passes for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. His efficiency as a passer, combined with his ability to make plays with his legs (he added 231 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground), made him an intriguing fit for Pittsburgh’s offense.
Despite missing the Steelers’ Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets due to a hamstring injury, Fields was back on the field in practice ahead of Week 10 and was removed from the injury report prior to the Commanders game. However, Fields did not play in Sunday’s victory.
The fact that Pittsburgh hasn’t fully integrated Fields into the offense could be a sign that Tomlin and Smith are keeping him under wraps, waiting for the right game or situation where his talents can be best utilized.
The Case for Fields’ Package
So, what could a Fields package look like, and why would it be so impactful for Pittsburgh?
1. RPO (Run-Pass Option) Threats: Fields’ dual-threat ability makes him a perfect candidate for RPO plays. His mobility allows him to read defenses and choose between handing the ball off to the running back or taking off himself. A healthy Fields on the move could stretch opposing defenses, particularly when used in high-leverage moments or in short-yardage situations.
2. A Change of Pace: Wilson, a seasoned quarterback, has been performing well as the starter, but he’s not known for his mobility. Fields brings a completely different dynamic that can throw off a defense, especially if they’re expecting the pocket-passing style of Wilson. Inserting Fields in critical moments can force defenses to adjust on the fly, giving Pittsburgh an edge in unpredictability.
3. Stretching the Field: With George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth as key receiving threats, adding Fields’ ability to move outside the pocket could open up additional opportunities for big plays downfield. Defenses can’t simply focus on the traditional passing game when Fields could pull the ball down and run for a big gain or make a throw on the move.
4. Special Teams and Wildcat Option: Fields could also be used in special situations, like wildcat formations or as a decoy on gadget plays. Given his running ability, he could create mismatches with defenses that aren’t prepared for his athleticism. In these types of packages, Fields can serve as both a run and pass threat in one play.
What’s Next for the Steelers?
While the Russell Wilson-led offense has been working just fine, the real question will be when Pittsburgh decides to pull the trigger on this Fields package. It’s clear that Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff are cautious, not wanting to rush Fields into a larger role unless they’re confident it will make an immediate difference.
The Steelers have weathered some adversity this season, including a fluctuating quarterback situation and the loss of key players. But with three straight wins, including a dramatic victory over the Commanders, Pittsburgh has positioned itself to make a playoff push. A Justin Fields package could be the secret weapon they need to keep defenses on their toes and give them an additional advantage as they move forward.
It’s no secret that the NFL is trending toward dual-threat quarterbacks, and Fields’ speed and versatility could be the perfect addition to an offense looking to stay unpredictable and explosive. For now, the Steelers will play the waiting game, but when the time comes to unleash Fields, it could be the spark that propels this team even further.
Will this Sunday be the day Fields takes the field in a bigger role? Only time will tell, but Steelers fans should be excited — the next chapter of the offense could be just around the corner.
