Tag: Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is a candidate to start for the first time since Week 1. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Steelers open door for Russell Wilson to start

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Russell Wilson is back in the running to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are off to a 4-2 start with Justin Fields operating the offense.

Wilson will take first-team reps alongside Fields in preparation for facing the New York Jets in primetime on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.

“Russ proved his health last week,” Tomlin said. “We’re looking hard at it this week. It is up for consideration.”

Pittsburgh is tied for first place in the AFC North. The Steelers made a decision in the offseason to go another direction at quarterback, moving on from 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett and top backup Mason Rudolph. They combined for 10 total touchdowns — the same number Fields has through six games — in 17 regular-season games in 2023.

Wilson, 35, has started at least 14 regular-season games every season since he was drafted by the Seahawks in 2012. He was active for the first time last week at Las Vegas as the No. 2 quarterback behind Fields.

“Over the course of the week, I got comfortable with his ability to display his health,” Tomlin said of why Wilson is back in the picture.

“You knock it off to a degree just getting an in-helmet perspective on the work,” Tomlin said. “The reactions, the see-to-do, and some of those things. There’s also a totality of his resume as well that makes you more comfortable than guys with shorter resumes in that regard, in terms of his ability to play ball on a limited amount of exposure. I have that mentality about guys at other positions. Veteran players, there’s just comfort that comes with experience in those sometimes uncomfortable conversations.”

Tomlin said the Steelers are in no hurry to determine a starter, adding Wilson needs to “knock the rust off” in practice after not playing in a game since August.

Fields and Wilson competed for the starting job in training camp, when Wilson was bothered by a calf injury. Tomlin took the decision down to the final preseason game before declaring Wilson, who is still listed No. 1 on the team’s official depth chart, the starter entering Week 1.

But by midweek entering the opener at Atlanta, Wilson’s calf injury had emerged again and Fields took all of the reps with the starting offense. He’s been the QB1 for the first six games this season while Wilson was working to return, primarily in position drills.

Fields has five touchdown passes, one interception and a passer rating of 93.9. He’s also tied for fifth in the NFL with five rushing touchdowns.

–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 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

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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 quarterback Russell Wilson (3) ready to take the field against Detroit Lions during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

Steelers QB Russell Wilson limited due to calf tightness

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Justin Fields operated the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense for most of Thursday’s practice with starter Russell Wilson limited because of calf tightness, the same injury that kept him out of several days of training camp.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said there are no long-term concerns about Wilson’s health. Pittsburgh opens the regular season Sunday at Atlanta.

“We wanted to exercise some precaution,” Tomlin said, “and see what tomorrow looks like and kind of go from there.”

Tomlin said a medical evaluation would take place “out of an abundance of caution” on Friday but otherwise downplayed the injury.

“It really doesn’t” impact game planning, Tomlin said, adding “I’m extremely comfortable” if Fields is forced into action.

Expect skepticism from the Falcons. Last week, Tomlin warned Falcons head coach and former Buccaneers co-worker Raheem Morris he should “be prepared for Justin Fields.”

Morris thanked Tomlin, apparently in jest, on Wednesday for forcing him to waste time looking at how the Steelers used Fields.

Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowl selection with the Seattle Seahawks who was released by the Denver Broncos in March. Tomlin named Wilson the team’s starter following the final preseason game last month.

Wide receiver Van Jefferson said both quarterbacks are capable of winning at Atlanta.

“Obviously Russ is a great competitor and wants to be out there. If Justin has to step out there, I think he’s more than prepared to do that,” he said.

–Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris shown on the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Fast friends Raheem Morris, Mike Tomlin start Week 1 with gamesmanship

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Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris flashed a Cheshire cat smile on Wednesday when asked if he was prepared for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin to unveil a package of plays for Justin Fields on Sunday.

Morris and Tomlin were young assistant coaches in Tampa Bay from 2002-05, and the competitive gamesmanship — and mutual respect — between peers runs in overdrive.

“Mike Tomlin told me to prepare for Justin Fields,” Morris said Wednesday of the Week 1 matchup with Pittsburgh. “So we did. That’s a nice way to make me waste time. He’s a master at it. And he’s conducting a masterclass, or he’s not. And Fields is gonna show up.”

Tomlin named Russell Wilson the starting quarterback for Week 1 following a preseason competition with Fields, but warned Morris he “better be ready” for Fields to play a role.

Morris said “whoever is playing quarterback presents a challenge.”

The fascinating chess match with two veteran quarterbacks at the center of it all plays out Sunday, when a tidal wave of change with each organization is put on display for the first time in a meaningful environment.

“There’s the element of the unknown that always accompanies Week 1 competition,” Tomlin said of facing the Falcons, who have their own talented quarterback — No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. — available for a cameo behind Kirk Cousins.

You can bet your britches the Steelers’ brigade of talented linebackers, from J.J. Watt to newcomer Patrick Queen, an offseason free agency import from the Ravens, are up to speed on Penix, too.

Tomlin said he and his coaching staff spent extra time on Morris and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson’s old team — the Los Angeles Rams — to bring players up to speed on tendencies and play-calling patterns. Tomlin now employs Atlanta’s former head coach, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Morris retained several Smith assistants, and there are ample personnel holdovers that make predicting which punch sequence Smith might dial up less challenging.

In 2022, Tomlin made his affinity for Morris perfectly clear during an interview for the “Pivot Podcast” featuring former Steelers safety Ryan Clark. Asked about diversity in coaching, Tomlin pointed at Morris as an example of a then-assistant coach who deserved to be a head coach.

“I know that some of the guys being denied are in the top 32,” Tomlin said. “Raheem Morris is the best coach that I know and have been around that don’t have a head job.”

This week at least, Morris downplays the past, including the legends that helped define the defense Cousins draws in the opener.

“The history of the group is phenomenal and that’s just the nature of the beast when you’re talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain,” Morris said. “But we don’t have to play ghosts. We just play the guys that are on their team now and they certainly got a bunch of good guys that you’ve got to worry about.”

–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

Jan 15, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks the field before the game against the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 AFC wild card game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tomlin refuses to address future after Steelers’ loss

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Mike Tomlin wasn’t ready to discuss his future in the aftermath of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday.

In fact, he wasn’t even willing to listen to a question about his status.

At the postgame press conference, a reporter began a question with, “Mike, you have a year left on your contract.” At that point, Tomlin exited the room.

The Steelers fell 31-17 to the Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y. Buffalo led Pittsburgh 21-0 in the first half and was never truly threatened after the break.

After Bill Belichick parted ways with the New England Patriots earlier this month, Tomlin, 51, now has the longest tenure of any NFL head coach, having just completed his 17th year on the job in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers, who went 10-7 in the regular season, have never had a losing season during Tomlin’s reign. He guided Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl title after the 2008 season, then got the Steelers back to the Super Bowl after the 2010 season.

This year was a bit rocky for the Steelers, though, as they fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada in November and went through three starting quarterbacks (Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph).

Pittsburgh earned wins in each of the last three regular-season games — vs. the Cincinnati Bengals and then on the road against both the Seattle Seahawks and the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens — to claim a playoff berth.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and head coach Mike Tomlin meet with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris following the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers won’t block WR George Pickens from playing this week

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Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is part of Pittsburgh’s gameplan this week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Head coach Mike Tomlin declined disclosure of any team discipline for Pickens, who admitted to avoiding blocking in the running game last week in a critical loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Pickens said Tuesday he was intentionally not blocking because he didn’t want to get hurt.

“I didn’t want to get injured,” said Pickens after being called out via social media for dodging contact as a downfield blocker. “When you stay in and block somebody, you can get run up on very easily.”

Interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner said he addressed Pickens’ situation privately and with the wide receiver group. Tomlin said he met with Pickens one-on-one Wednesday, then accepted the media request to hold an unscheduled press conference to discuss the matter.

“I would like him to be more professional in terms of addressing some of his shortcomings with you guys [media] to further add fluidity to the process,” Tomlin said. “He’s not helping himself, he’s not helping the process in the manner in which he’s dealt with you guys, but the manner in which he deals with you guys is not necessarily a manner in which he deals with us or himself regarding acknowledging where he is and where he needs to go.”

Pickens has “obvious room” for improvement, Tomlin said.

The second-year receiver leads the Steelers with 52 receptions for 814 yards.

–Field Level Media

Aug 19, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky (10) and Kenny Pickett (8) talk with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan (middle) against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Pickett out, Steelers stick with Mitchell Trubisky

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Kenny Pickett remains in recovery mode following ankle surgery last week, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers to stick with Mitchell Trubisky to start Saturday at Indianapolis.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said it would be “reasonable” for Trubisky to show improvement this week after posting 190 passing yards and two total touchdowns in Pittsburgh’s loss last Thursday to the New England Patriots.

With consecutive losses to two-win teams at home — the Arizona Cardinals and Patriots — Pittsburgh currently resides in the No. 6 spot in the AFC playoff picture, one ahead of the Colts. Indianapolis has an identical 7-6 record entering Saturday’s game. The Colts are second in the AFC South behind the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-5) and in front of the Houston Texans (7-6).

Tomlin said Mason Rudolph would get “an opportunity to get some work” this week. He said “in helmet prep” has been limited for Rudolph and he doesn’t believe there is a competition between Rudolph and Trubisky for the Week 15 game.

Pickett underwent ankle surgery aiming to expedite his recovery from a high ankle sprain and could be back on the field prior to the Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals (7-6).

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati trail the Cleveland Browns (8-5) and Baltimore Ravens (10-3) in the AFC North.

–Field Level Media

Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) grabs his leg after play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pickett left the game with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett has surgery, LB Elandon Roberts hurt

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Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are down two quarterbacks on a short week, ratcheting up urgency entering a matchup with the New England Patriots.

Mitchell Trubisky draws the start at quarterback after Kenny Pickett underwent surgery on his ankle on Monday, and the “QB of our defense,” linebacker Elandon Roberts, is questionable with a groin injury, Tomlin said.

Tomlin said there is no concern Pickett could miss the rest of the season with reports pegging his potential return at 2-4 weeks. The team signed QB Trace McSorley to the practice squad as insurance, ESPN reported Monday.

Roberts attempted to return to Sunday’s loss but was too limited to be effective.

He wears the green dot on his helmet as the defensive signal-caller for the Steelers and has 80 tackles with 1.5 sacks this season. Tomlin said linebacker Blake Martinez could be pushed into action, and Myles Jack might be asked to step in for Roberts. In March, the Steelers released Jack after signing Roberts as a free agent.

“When you are working on a short week, there’s a limited amount of physical reps you get,” Tomlin said.

Trubisky replaced Pickett on Sunday. Pickett left the game with 5:10 to go in the second quarter after a tackle from behind by Cardinals linebacker Josh Woods.

“He gets the most work,” Tomlin said of why he’s turning to Trubisky over Mason Rudolph. “Mitch has been positioned to get the work.”

Tomlin said he will live “one week at a time” when discussing his confidence at quarterback and other positions.

Pickett, who entered Week 13 questionable with an ankle injury but was able to practice, limped off on his own and went to the blue tent for evaluation before heading to the locker room.

Before the injury, Pickett was 7-for-10 passing for 70 yards against the Cardinals.

“He had it surgically repaired this morning in an effort to accelerate the healing process. Rest assured he is out this week,” Tomlin said of Pickett’s ankle injury on Monday.

Trubisky was 11-for-17 passing for 117 yards and one touchdown against the Cardinals. He has passed for 273 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in 49 pass attempts this season.

McSorley, who played at Penn State, was a sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has appeared in nine games (one start) for the Ravens (2019-20) and Arizona Cardinals (2021-22) and is 0-1 as a starter.

Tomlin said the expectation of pre-snap and post-play penalties being at zero when the season hits December will cause him to look at personnel very closely even on a week when practice time will be limited.

“There needs to be extreme urgency around the routine things so that they are routine,” Tomlin said Monday. “We’re going to turn the things over as far as people and the things we’re asking them to do.”

–Field Level Media