This “Petty Game Ball” could be the highlight of Russell Wilson's Steelers career.
Wilson overtook Justin Fields for the starting quarterback spot in the preseason, but an untimely calf injury sidelined him for the start of the season.
Fields has made the most of his opportunity and, as of now, seems likely to remain the starter as the Steelers are off to a 2-0 start.
“If Russell is healthy, I'll play Justin.” “It's a big deal,” Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger said. On this week's podcast, CBS Sports reported. “I think he's earned and deserves the right to stay there.”
Fields, whom the Steelers acquired from the Bears this offseason for a sixth-round pick, has been a solid, if unspectacular, quarterback for a dominant defensive team.
And since he's 10 years younger than Wilson, he arguably has better long-term potential.
The 25-year-old completed 30 of 43 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown, while also running for 84 more yards.
But the most important statistic may be the fact that he didn't lose the ball in road wins over the Falcons and Broncos.
“So far, I've been happy with his play,” Roethlisberger said. “I like that he's on a roll. I like that he's on a roll. If you would have told me they were 1-1 or 0-2 and in this situation, I would have said, 'Yeah, we've got to do something.' But again, he's not losing the ball.”
With Wilson not yet deemed healthy enough to return to games, the question of whether Fields will remain the starter has been put on the back burner under coach Mike Tomlin.
The Broncos benched the veteran last season and then waived him, but he returned to Denver last week as their emergency third quarterback, despite the decision costing them $85 million in dead cap money.
With that in mind, the 35-year-old Wilson received the “Petty Game Ball” despite not playing a single snap in Pittsburgh's 13-6 win at Denver.
“I think we all know that Russ kind of had a rough time last year,” said Fields, who was also released by the Bears after selecting Caleb Williams with the No. 1 draft pick.
“I know he wanted to play in the game today, but it's great that he got the win. He got the Petty Game Ball.”
The question is, if Wilson returns to Pittsburgh with another team next season, will he need a “Petty Game Ball?”
The Steelers will face the Chargers in their home opener on Sunday.
