Justin Fields’ Stellar Performance Has Steelers' Locker Room Reconsidering Mike Tomlin’s QB Choice
Following his departure from the Chicago Bears, quarterback Justin Fields is aging like fine wine in the AFC. Fields took a step in the right direction in 2024 when he went 4-2 with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a starter.
It appears some in the Steelers building questioned head coach Mike Tomlin's decision to give the starting job to Russell Wilson when he recovered from a calf injury.
Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Fields' play with the New York Jets in Week 1 against the Steelers caused several people on Pittsburgh's sideline to say "told ya so."
"Fields had plenty of supporters in the locker room and even on the staff," Russini wrote. "The team rolled with Wilson, who gave them a spark early but ultimately flamed out. So when the Steelers lined up against the Jets last week and saw Fields on the other sideline — playing refreshed, decisive and free — let’s just say there were more than a few people saying 'told ya so' inside the organization."
Justin Fields looked good against the Pittsburgh Steelers
Fields went 16-of-22 passing for 218 yards and a touchdown in the 34-32 loss to the Steelers. He added 48 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Fields played a great game, but he was outmatched by the heroics of Pittsburgh's new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, who led the Steelers to a game-winning field goal opportunity with under a minute remaining.
While Fields' play (and the awful performance by Wilson on the New York Giants in Week 1) might make some in Pittsburgh wish he had started the entire season over Wilson, no one is questioning the prudence of Tomlin wanting Rodgers to pilot the Steelers.
"One thing they all agree on now? They’re more than happy with future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers," Russini wrote.
Cleveland Browns' Staggering Decision on Deshaun Watson Looms as Return Date Approaches
The Cleveland Browns could have to make a decision on Deshaun Watson and his future with the team.
Watson is currently sidelined after he ruptured his Achilles again in January. However, he has shared videos of himself working out and looking good, which has some fans thinking he could return this season.
However, the Browns have Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders in the quarterback room, so it’s uncertain where Watson fits. But Browns insider Zac Jackson of The Athletic believes Watson playing a game for Cleveland is a possibility.
“There is a world (he plays). Do I think that’s anyone’s intention? No,” Jackson said on The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show. Do I think that it’s likely at all, even if we get closer to that world? No. But there is a world. When he went on Active PUP instead of Reserve PUP, that made him eligible to play this season.
“When he went on Active PUP again on August 27, when they made all these meaves, that means that anytime after Week 4, he is eligible to return,” Jackson added. “There used to be a deadline where those guys had to be activated after a practice window; there is not anymore. It could be Christmas week, and they could activate Deshaun Watson.”
If Watson shows he is healthy, he could force the Browns’ hand to activate him, and Cleveland would then have to make a decision. But Jackson believes there is a good chance he does play a game this season for the Browns.
Watson is under contract through the 2026 NFL season as he’s in the fourth year of his five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns.
Browns GM Not Ruling Out Watson Playing
Although Cleveland entered the season with three quarterbacks, Watson could force the team to make an interesting decision.
Watson has been focusing on his rehab, and he looks to be getting closer to potentially playing. However, back in April, Browns general manager Andrew Berry wasn’t ruling out Watson playing for Cleveland this season.
“It’s too early to say,” Berry said. “I can say Deshaun has done a great job of rehabbing. He’s been in every day. He’s progressing and that’s really our focus, but it’s too early to say.”
Before the injury last season, Watson was 137-for-216 for 1,148 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.
Cleveland Owner Says Watson Trade Was a Failure
Although Berry wasn’t ruling out Watson playing for the Browns in 2025, Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam doubts he will.
The Browns made the bold move to acquire Watson in 2022 and handed him a massive extension. However, due to injuries and his poor play, the deal hasn’t worked out.
Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, Haslam spoke to at the owner’s meetings and admitted the trade was a failure.
“We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun,” Haslam said. “We thought we had the quarterback, we didn’t and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we’ve got to dig ourselves out of that hole. (It) was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee and I, so hold us accountable.”
Watson has appeared in 19 games for the Browns and has a 9-10 record.
