Tag: Fields

Oct 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) removes his helmet during a timeout against the New Orleans Saints during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Chiefs DT Chris Jones (calf) inactive vs. Steelers

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones is officially inactive for Wednesday’s game in Pittsburgh due to a calf injury.

Jones, 30, did not practice on Monday and was limited on Tuesday. The five-time Pro Bowl selection has five sacks, 20 quarterback hits and 37 tackles in 15 starts this season.

Also inactive for the Chiefs (14-1) are starting left tackle D.J. Humphries, offensive linemen Ethan Driskell and C.J. Hanson, defensive ends Joshua Uche and Malik Herring, and defensive back Chamarri Conner.

For the host Steelers (10-5), pass-rusher Preston Smith, cornerback Joey Porter Jr., defensive end Dean Lowry and wide receiver Ben Skowronek are all inactive. Justin Fields (abdominal) will be the emergency third quarterback.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers QB Russell Wilson ramps up participation

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Ailing quarterback Russell Wilson intends to increase his participation in practice and put behind him the calf injury keeping him out of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ lineup.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remains steadfast in his approach to involving Wilson in Pittsburgh’s plans. He first wants Wilson to prove he’s healthy.

Tomlin said Tuesday that Wilson would “pick up” practice participation after being inactive for the first four games of the season. He strained his calf in training camp, giving former Chicago Bears first-round pick Justin Fields more time than expected with the starting offense.

Wilson was named the starter following the final preseason game in August, but was limited in practice before the Week 1 opener at Atlanta. His status did not change in September, when Fields led the Steelers to a 3-1 start.

Fields again is preparing to start for the Steelers against the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) on Sunday. Until Wilson gets on the field and completes practice as a full participant, Tomlin won’t be addressing whether Fields could possibly keep the job when both quarterbacks are healthy.

“There’s a potential for that, but we’re not there as we stand here today,” Tomlin said Tuesday.

Tomlin said Tuesday the Steelers are optimistic guard Isaac Seumalo (pectoral) and linebacker Nick Herbig (ankle) will be ready when the Cowboys visit Sunday night. He’s not as certain about running back Jaylen Warren and said linebacker Alex Highsmith is out for the second game in a row with a groin injury.

Seumalo’s return would be timely following the likely season-ending Achilles injury to James Daniels at Indianapolis. Daniels was ruled out by Tomlin, but the Steelers have not yet placed the veteran guard on injured reserve.

Three of the Steelers’ next four games are in primetime.

Pittsburgh lost for the first time this season at Indianapolis last week. Fields had 312 yards passing and ran for 55 yards with two TDs, leading the offense to touchdowns on three consecutive drives after a costly fumble trying to evade a sack nearly 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

Tomlin gave his first harsh assessment of Fields on Sunday night after the loss to the Colts.

“Appreciate his fight, but he and we were a little bit sloppy at times. Too sloppy to secure victory,” Tomlin said.

Wilson last started a game on Christmas Eve before the Denver Broncos benched him for the final two regular-season games in a contract dispute that led to the former Super Bowl winner being released. He signed with the Steelers in March after also visiting the New York Giants.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers stick with QB Justin Fields, avoid ‘hypotheticals’ around Russell Wilson

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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin knows 2-0 is significant, but the Los Angeles Chargers show up for Pittsburgh’s home opener with the same record.

“They’ve taken the ball away. They play to a definitive personality, one that I am familiar with,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “Familiar with (offensive coordinator) Greg (Roman). I would imagine he doesn’t care we’re familiar with his mode of operation. That’s what makes him one of the best in the business.”

While Roman is working under Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to prepare hobbled quarterback Justin Herbert, Tomlin pointed to sticking with Justin Fields at the controls of the Pittsburgh offense as Russell Wilson remains unlikely to practice on Wednesday.

“As I sit here today, Russ is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice,” Tomlin said. “We’ll follow Russ throughout the week. We are readying ourselves around Justin. And we’ll stay in that mindset until something happens. Hypotheticals is a waste of time. We’ll stay in that mindset.”

Tomlin praised Fields desire to compete and steadiness in various environments.

But while pointing out the road environment caused a “thoughtful” approach to throwing the ball downfield and avoiding risks, Tomlin wouldn’t answer whether Fields has done enough to nail down the starting job when Wilson is cleared.

“I’m focused on the next task. Until Russell gets to a state of readiness where he’s a consideration, I won’t speculate in any way,” Tomlin said. “I’ve stated where we are. My position regarding the pecking order and the depth chart hasn’t changed, and it won’t, until the other guy is ready. I don’t speculate. I don’t know how many ways I can say this.”

Tomlin praised both quarterbacks: Wilson for his professionalism and modeling leadership for younger players during a time of adversity and Fields for being an all-out competitor who enters a fight with his fists fully loaded.

He said the decision at quarterback could be revisited when and if Wilson is healthy, who isn’t yet cleared to be a full participant in practice.

A division rival of the Ravens and Harbaugh’s brother, John, the Steelers also are preparing for former Baltimore running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. They’re now the 1-2 punch for Roman and the engine of the Chargers’ running game averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Los Angeles has 395 rushing yards in two games.

The Chargers also employ a defensive coordinator familiar to Tomlin in Jesse Minter; Tomlin worked with Minter’s dad, Rick Minter, at University of Cincinnati.

Tomlin said left guard Isaac Seumalo “might be closer to return” if he can participate in practice this week. He missed the first two games with a pectoral injury.

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) drops back to pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Steelers preparing QB Justin Fields to start at Denver

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Mike Tomlin takes the Steelers back on the road this week with Pittsburgh attempting to start the regular season 2-0 for the first time since 2020.

As of Tuesday, Tomlin said Pittsburgh’s game plan involves Justin Fields starting at quarterback with Russell Wilson not yet 100 percent with a calf injury.

“As I sit here today, we’re preparing as if Justin is going to be our quarterback,” Tomlin said. “Russ is not scheduled to work in totality (Wednesday).”

Until proven otherwise, Wilson would make his return to Denver as an observer. The Broncos released Wilson in March despite a salary cap hit of more than $80 million over the next two seasons.

Tomlin said he will only consider players that are available and, at the moment, he plans to invest in preparation with Fields until Wilson is able to be a full participant in practice. If Wilson gets back to practice this week, the quarterback pecking order is subject to change, according to Tomlin.

“I’m not going to soothe you with hypotheticals. I am unmoved by some of those narratives to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said of whether Wilson is considered the QB1 when healthy.

Fields completed 73.3 percent of his passes (17 of 23) and did not commit a turnover to lead the Steelers to an 18-10 win at Atlanta in Week 1. Fields also had 57 yards on 14 carries.

“It’s good to be in the stadium with the guy. We certainly know a lot more about him after that,” Fields said.

He clicked with wide receiver George Pickens, who caught six passes for 85 yards, but Tomlin said Pittsburgh is wary of Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II in a “very hostile environment” at Denver.

“He’s technically as sound as they come. I was at his pro day he was as pro-ready as any corner I’ve seen,” Tomlin said.

A “battery of movement” is scheduled for Wilson this week but Tomlin said he won’t talk about when and if Wilson could start over Fields depending on his practice status later in the week.

“The guys on the field are the guys that are making the plays,” Tomlin said when asked if Wilson was involved in communication with Fields on the sideline at Atlanta.

Tomlin described the Week 1 situation with Wilson as “quarterback instability” with a decision on the team’s starting quarterback going to gameday, when Wilson felt his calf issue would be too limiting.

“I just visited with him, he feels better today than he did over the weekend. Over the course of the week we’ll be analyzing whether he’s capable of protecting himself,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin confirmed punter Cam Johnston is out for the year with a “major knee injury.”

–Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not name a starting quarterback for Week 1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers QBs Russell Wilson, Justin Fields still fighting for starting spot

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Russell Wilson and Justin Fields get one final dress rehearsal Saturday at Detroit to make a case to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Head coach Mike Tomlin suggested Wilson was in “pole position” entering training camp, but a calf injury limited his participation and opened the door for Fields to take most of the first-team snaps.

They each played five offensive series last week against the Bills and Tomlin wants to see both on the field this week before determining a pecking order at the position for the Week 1 visit to the Atlanta Falcons.

“I’m in the mindset that it’s a dry rehearsal, man. I want to see the fruit of the labor that I’ve seen out here on the practice field,” Tomlin said of what he wants to see from the offense this week. “We’ve had some really awesome practice days and shown really good consistency and fundamentals and splash-play ability, but I haven’t seen it in stadium yet. In a perfect world, I’d like to see that in the stadium before I move on to provide reps for some other guys that are trying to get a job for themselves.”

Tomlin said Fields has shown “a really high floor with splash plays” on the practice field. If the same traits are evident this week, Tomlin could face a more difficult decision than he once thought.

“I want to see him show some of the things that we’ve seen out here in the practice setting,” Tomlin said of Fields.

Fields had two weeks in the preseason to operate with the starters before Wilson returned to split the starter reps in practice.

“I think I’ve shown what I can do,” Fields said. “I think the time that I did have with the (first team) practicing in training camp, I think that went well. … But at the end of the day, it’s not up to me.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 8, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws a fourth quarter pass under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 29-27. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers’ Justin Fields ‘definitely competing’ to be QB1

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields credits Bears general manager Ryan Poles for staying true to a promise by trading the former first-round pick to his preferred destination.

Fields landed in Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick as potential competition for Russell Wilson after the Bears decided to use the No. 1 overall pick to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Once that decision crystallized for Chicago, Poles personally committed to “doing right by Justin Fields.”

“Shoutout to Poles,” Fields said Tuesday after organized team activities with the Steelers. “We communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be, so he honored that and I appreciate him for that. Nothing but love for the city, the fans, my teammates and coaches.”

If Fields plays more than 51 percent of the total snaps for the Steelers in 2024, Chicago’s draft compensation in return is upgraded to a fourth-round pick.

They cleared the depth chart in a matter of weeks, dealing former starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles and allowing Mason Rudolph to join the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft, had 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in three seasons with the Bears.

It’s also a fresh start for Wilson, who enters Year 13 with something to prove. He signed with the Steelers after being released by the Broncos despite a total cap hit of more than $80 million.

Fields said he’s grateful to be in Pittsburgh and declined to answer whether the Bears did everything they could to facilitate his growth on the field.

“It is what it is. That’s in the past,” Fields said.

As for his next chapter with the Steelers, Fields said his intentions are clear inside the building.

“I’m definitely competing. Russ knows that,” Fields said. “We’re competing against each other every day. I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting every day. I’m pushing him to be his best and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.”

Fields said he’s not the same quarterback he was last year.

“I have a lot more room to grow,” Fields said. “I’m going to continue to get better each and every day. I’m nowhere near my ceiling.”

–Field Level Media

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs for a first down during the first quarter of their game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Report: No trade market has emerged for Bears QB Justin Fields

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A trade market for Bears quarterback Justin Fields has yet to develop, ESPN reported on Tuesday, citing sources that most teams view the 2021 first-round pick as a backup.

Fields was widely expected to be in play for the Atlanta Falcons or Pittsburgh Steelers. Atlanta agreed to a reported $180 million contract with 35-year-old Kirk Cousins and the Steelers signed Russell Wilson at a discount rate with Denver paying most of the $39 million salary he’s guaranteed for 2024.

The modest market creates a conundrum in Chicago, where general manager Ryan Poles holds a pair of top-10 draft picks and the Bears are thought to be planning on using one of those selections on Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams.

The Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the draft because they opted to pass on Bryce Young of Alabama and No. 2 pick C.J. Stroud of Ohio State in 2023, instead dealing the rights to the top spot to the Panthers. Carolina traded wide receiver DJ Moore and their first-round picks in 2023 and 2024 to the Bears and selected Young.

Many of the teams still in the market for a quarterback are focused on a popular set of prospects in the 2024 draft with Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye of North Carolina and J.J. McCarthy of Michigan being discussed as probable top-15 picks. Oregon’s Bo Nix and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. are also on the radar as potential first- or second-round picks.

Fields, 25, still could find a new home this offseason. The Las Vegas Raiders agreed to a two-year deal with Gardner Minshew but are paying a backup rate to a potential placeholder starter and the New England Patriots, currently holding the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, might give Fields a shot if it becomes evident their preferred quarterback won’t be available at the top of the draft.

Value for first-round draft picks at quarterback nosediving is a familiar backdrop for general managers attempting to offload those players. The Patriots agreed to accept a sixth-round pick in exchange for Mac Jones, who was selected 15th in 2021, four spots after Fields went to the Bears.

The No. 3 pick in that draft, Trey Lance, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys from the San Francisco 49ers for a fourth-round pick.

The 2021 No. 2 pick, Zach Wilson, has drawn no interest after being given permission to seek a trade by the Jets last month.

–Field Level Media

Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Bears narrowing options, plan to ‘do right by’ QB Justin Fields

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INDIANAPOLIS — Bears general manager Ryan Poles holds the keys to the NFL draft for the second consecutive year, and he’s all gas, no brakes as the Scouting Combine kicks off Tuesday.

Asked for his timeframe determining his plan at quarterback and how the team will use the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, Poles deadpanned, “Tomorrow.”

Part of the reason Poles is feeling some urgency is the amount of outreach he’s receiving on an hourly basis. He flipped his phone to “do not disturb” weeks ago and described the options on the table for the Bears as nearing triple digits.

Before moving on to the more pressing decision, the Bears are ramping up efforts to re-sign cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a long-term deal before free agency begins. Poles expects a deal to be done in the next two weeks.

That will clear the decks for him to focus on what the franchise perceives as the best option at quarterback.

Not long after the end of the combine in 2023, Poles and the Bears pulled the trigger on a deal to send the Carolina Panthers the top pick on March 10. He said the Bears are in contact with current quarterback Justin Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft, while narrowing the options for maximizing the top pick in April — or sooner.

Poles said the Bears would “do right by Justin” and trade him before the start of free agency, which begins March 13, if they’ve determined drafting a quarterback is the “best decision for the franchise.”

“I know him well enough now. No one wants to live in the gray,” he said.

Asked if he’s aware the locker room is supportive of Fields, Poles said, “I feel the same way.”

Fields is entering the final year of his contract with a salary of $1.6 million for 2024 and a team option for 2025 available. The financial piece of the call can’t be ignored by the Bears, or potential suitors. For reference, the current franchise tag for quarterbacks is $38 million and could skyrocket next March.

Poles noted the talent at quarterback in the 2024 draft puts the Bears in a unique position he won’t take lightly.

“I would say our approach is exactly the same (as 2023) with the No. 1 pick. Obviously we chose to trade back last year and I think that helped our team out a lot,” Poles said.

Poles said the Bears are meeting with a number of quarterbacks this week, including Southern California’s Caleb Williams, while dismissing rumors the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner didn’t want to come to Chicago.

“No concerns about that at all,” he said.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the second half against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields Next Team Odds: Heavy favorite emerges

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Justin Fields’ future is one of the more intriguing plot lines early in the NFL offseason, and at least one sportsbook believes the former first-round pick won’t be taking his first snap of the 2024 season for the Chicago Bears.

The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as the -120 favorite at DraftKings to be the team for whom Fields takes his next regular-season snap. That’s well ahead of the team Fields is currently employed by, with the Bears offered at +185.

The Falcons have a new coach in Raheem Morris and an unsettled quarterback situation after toggling through Desmond Ridder and journeyman Taylor Heinicke last season. Atlanta is expected to be active in its search for a more stable solution at the position, and the Falcons are also among the favorites to land one of two veterans who could be changing addresses: Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins (+300) and Denver’s Russell Wilson (+600).

Fields, who turns 25 on March 5, is younger — and cheaper — than the others as he still has a year remaining on his rookie contract along with a potential fifth-year option.

The Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft and are expected to use it on one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class, led by Southern California’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye.

That has led to speculation that Chicago may look to part ways with Fields after three seasons.

The sportsbook is offering Fields odds on all 32 NFL teams.

That includes the Pittsburgh Steelers (+300), who were led to the playoffs by Mason Rudolph after second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett was injured. The Las Vegas Raiders (+700) have the fourth-shortest odds to be the team Fields takes his next snap for after finishing the year with Aidan O’Connell under center after veteran Jimmy Garoppolo was benched.

Wilson was another veteran signal-caller to finish the season on the sideline and is expected to part ways with Denver this offseason. The Broncos are being offered at +1300.

JUSTIN FIELDS NEXT SNAP ODDS*
Falcons (-120)
Bears (+185)
Steelers (+300)
Raiders (+700)
Broncos (+1300)
Patriots (+1300)
Commanders (+2000)
Buccaneers (+4000)
Seahawks (+4000)
Vikings (+6000)
Lions, Browns, Panthers, Titans, 49ers, Giants, Saints, Dolphins, Rams (+10000)
Jaguars, Colts, Texans, Packers, Cowboys, Bengals, Bills (+30000)
*DraftKings

Fields talked about his future and his past during Wednesday’s appearance on the podcast hosted by Chicago Bears teammate Equanimeous St. Brown and his brother, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

“I can’t see myself playing in another place,” Fields said. “If it was up to me, I would want to stay in Chicago. I love the city. The city’s lit. The fans there, they’re great.”

Fields, however, is aware that there are more factors in play.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Fields said. “I feel like the biggest thing going on with this right now is I just want it to be over. Just let me know if I’m getting traded, let me know if I’m staying.”

Fields also addressed his decision to unfollow the Bears on social media.

“Why do people take social media so serious?” Fields said. “I still mess with the Bears, this and that. I’m just trying to take a little break (from football content). I unfollowed the Bears and the NFL. I’m just trying to not have football on my timeline.”

The Bears also own the No. 9 pick in the draft.

Fields missed four games last season due to injury and had a 5-8 record. Still, he set career highs for completion percentage (61.4) and passing yards (2,562) and added 16 touchdowns and a career-low nine interceptions.

He added 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2023, a season after gaining 1,143 rushing yards and scoring eight times.

The draft is scheduled for April 25-27 in Detroit.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) stands on the sidelines after throwing a touchdown pass against the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Bears OC Shane Waldron ‘exchanging messages’ with Justin Fields

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Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron plans to build his system around the players available when he arrives at organized team activities.

“Once we know each other, you do develop relationships with people, you get a chance to coach them harder and coach them better,” Waldron said Thursday.

The Bears have the No. 1 pick and a decision to make about whether to commit to 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields or select one of the top-rated prospects in the first round in April.

Waldron said he’s starting prep for the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday afternoon, including a more in-depth look at presumptive No. 1 pick Caleb Williams of USC.

“The tape is obviously their resume as a player. What I look forward to is understanding and getting to know — what’s their why?” Waldron said. “The combine is the first chance to see some people in-person and get to know those guys outside of just the great displays of what they’ve put together Saturday afternoon or night on the field.

Waldron said when he was hired that most of the conversation about the quarterback position was lumped into his ability as a coach to be adaptable and build a system around individual skill sets.

“A lot of the conversation on offense revolved around adaptability. What can you do with different pieces of the puzzle? It’s our job first to be great teachers and put guys in the best position to have individual success and great team success,” Waldron said. “What concepts do we want to have when we start our OTAs, that’s the first part of it. You build it around the player’s skill set. That’s been a part of my core beliefs.”

Waldron said he has “exchanged messages” with Fields and will have more contact with him in the coming days.

Fields has one year — and a possible fifth-year option for 2025 — remaining on his rookie contract. Waldron is likely to have a say in whether the former Ohio State standout is equipped to move the franchise forward as the QB1. Waldron said he hasn’t done a detailed individual evaluation of Fields or any other offensive player on the roster yet.

“In the past experiences with different quarterbacks with different experience levels … different quarterbacks have been able to step into the system, learn it quickly,” Waldron said. “Without getting into specific personnel talk right now, it’s an ever-changing scenario this time of year with free agency. Obviously at the quarterback position with the ability to be explosive, work off-schedule.”

–Field Level Media