That could imply that perhaps there is still something to decide.
Realistically speaking, however, there probably is not anything to decide.
It would take a stunning turn of events, a dramatic change of approach or perhaps even an injury for anybody other than Wilson to be the team’s starting quarterback when they open their season at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 8.
The Steelers completely overhauled their quarterback room this offseason, signing Wilson following his release from Denver, trading for Fields and additionally signing veteran backup Kyle Allen.
While Fields has always been a Tomlin favorite going back to his draft year, his acquisition from the Chicago Bears was mainly made for added depth following the trade of former first-round pick Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, while also taking a chance on a young, talented player who had not yet put everything together on the field.
He is an intriguing player. He might have a future in Pittsburgh beyond this season. He might even end up starting games before this season is over.
But when it comes to the beginning of the season? That was always going to be Wilson, with the whole “competition” essentially a competition in name only. It would have taken a truly awful showing from Wilson in the preseason, combined with an incredible performance from Fields, to change the basic equation.
Neither thing really happened.
Even though Wilson was limited early on in training camp due to a calf injury, he remained the Steelers first-team quarterback over the final two preseason games and led a five-play, 60-yard scoring drive. On the drive in question, Wilson completed a huge third-down completion to wide receiver George Pickens down the sidelines.
That showing was probably enough to cement his status as the Week 1 starting quarterback.
While Fields has definitely had his moments in the preseason, he also still had some problems with ball security, having fumbled a few snaps. For as heavily as the Steelers value not turning the ball over on offense, that alone might have been enough to cement his status as the Week 1 backup quarterback.
So no, Mike Tomlin did not name his starting quarterback when given the chance. We still should have a pretty good idea of who it is going to be.
