If Russell Wilson wins the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback gig to open the season, the club could still get Justin Fields reps with a few designed plays each game.
Wilson sounded open to the two-QB idea or ceding a few snaps to Fields if that's how things played out.
"Justin is obviously one of the most talented guys in the NFL," Wilson told Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Wednesday. "You know all the things he can do. The player, the quarterback that he is. He's dynamic. It's all about us winning. That's the focus. I think it would strike fear in some defenses, that's for sure."
Earlier in the week, Fields said he was open to playing a Kordell Stewart-type "slash" role, per The Tribune-Review, but right now, he's focusing on battling Wilson for the starting gig. Fields added that at this point in the offseason process, the Steelers haven't implemented any gadget plays as the club installs new OC Arthur Smith's system.
Fields is a dynamic rusher, galloping for 2,220 yards and 14 TDs on 356 carries over three seasons in Chicago. He did not have any targets as a pass-catcher while with the Bears.
Wilson added that, given Fields' talent, having a fellow quarterback on the field wouldn't be too gimmicky.
"Justin is a franchise quarterback. He's a guy that can do a lot of amazing things. So, we have two dynamic guys that can do a lot of special things," Wilson said.
For now, both Wilson and Fields will battle for the starting gig. It's possible Fields starts in a "Slash-type" role early and, like Stewart himself, eventually ends up as a starter in Pittsburgh.
