Steelers' Tomlin: 'I went Lone Ranger' in decision to start Wilson over Fields

Head coach Mike Tomlin is taking responsibility for the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields for Sunday night's game against the New York Jets.

"I went Lone Ranger," Tomlin told Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

Tomlin explained that he wants to see what Wilson and Fields can do on the field before making a long-term decision regarding Pittsburgh's QB1 position.

"I'm not trying to win games. I'm trying to win a world title here," Tomlin said.

Fields helped the Steelers start the season with a 4-2 record, and they're coming off a 32-13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson missed the start of the 2024 campaign due to a calf injury but was off the injury report before Week 6 and backed up Fields.

Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in the offseason after a disappointing two-season stint with the Denver Broncos. He was named Pittsburgh's starter to begin training camp before injuring his calf and missing time.

Fields joined the Steelers as part of an offseason trade from the Chicago Bears. The 2021 first-round pick has completed 66.3% of his passes for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns against one interception in 2024. He's also added 231 yards and five TDs on the ground.

The Steelers have prime-time matchups against the Jets and New York Giants before a Week 9 bye.