Steelers OC: Justin Fields is not a ‘Gadget Guy’ behind Russell Wilson; We have 2 QB1s | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

The Pittsburgh Steelers used backup quarterback Justin Fields on a couple of plays Sunday in their 18-16 home win over the Baltimore Ravens, most notably a nine-yard rush as the AFC North leaders ran out the clock in the win.

Fields, who was the Steelers’ starting quarterback for six games before Russell Wilson returned from injury, might be viewed as a “gadget” player at this point.

However, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith doesn’t see it that way, going so far as to say Pittsburgh has “two starting quarterbacks” during a Tuesday chat with reporters. He also referenced his time as a Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator when mentioning then-starter Ryan Tannehill and backup Marcus Mariota.

“There’s a fine line in that. I don’t see Justin in this role as a gadget guy. Justin to me, we have two starting quarterbacks. Hell of a football player, so if he can help the team…”

“And there’s a fine line. I’ve done it a little bit in my past. We did it down the stretch with Ryan Tannehill and Marcus Mariota, but a different situation. So when you have an opportunity to put things together and just how the game course, throw something at them and put another dynamic football player out there, that helps us for sure.”

Fields hadn’t played in the last three weeks leading up to the Ravens game, but he was called into action twice Sunday.

First, Fields ran for eight yards on 2nd-and-11 early in the third quarter to set up a 3rd-and-3 at Baltimore’s 41-yard line. Wilson then came back in and threw a two-yard pass to Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh opted for the 57-yard field goal attempt, which Chris Boswell drilled for a 12–7 lead.

Second, Fields rushed for nine yards on 2nd-and-10 from the Pittsburgh 30 with 1:02 left. This one was a bit hairy as Fields slipped short of the first down marker, forcing Pittsburgh into a 3rd and 1. But it was no big deal as running back Najee Harris picked up the first down on the next play, effectively ending the game.

Pittsburgh has a quick turnaround this week when the team visits the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Wilson is still clearly the QB1, but maybe we’ll see some more Fields as the Steelers look for their sixth straight win.