Russell Wilson unfazed by being sent out to Justin Fields, admits he never knows when it’s going to happen

After installing it for three snaps on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers probed Russell Wilson and used the Justin Fields package even more on Thursday. Unfortunately, the efficiency was mixed and it wasn’t enough of a spark to propel Pittsburgh to a road win. Despite the loss and plenty of questions stemming from it, Russell Wilson isn’t second-guessing how the Steelers are using — or not using — him.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Wilson admitted that he never likes to leave the field, but he understands the team’s first approach.

“We’re trying to make plays, we’re trying to do different things,” Wilson said after the game via the team’s website. “Obviously, we also have confidence in Justin and what he can do and what he’s capable of. Look, I always want to be in there. That’s just the competitor in me. But at the same time, we have a lot of confidence in Justin and our team and our coaches and everything we did.”

Wilson has supported the idea throughout the year, dating back to August, when he was named the No. 1 quarterback. 1 prior to the opener against the Atlanta Falcons. He never saw the field for that game, which was shelved for the first six weeks due to a recurring calf injury. That allowed the Steelers to get an even closer look at Fields’ legs and call plays for him. Fields’ rushing ability was an asset over that span with multiple red zone rushing scores.

Pittsburgh didn’t use it in Weeks 7, 8 or 10 after Wilson took over as the starter. They showed it for three second-half replays against Baltimore for overall success. Fields rushed for an 8-yard gain on his first play and helped close out the win over the Ravens later.

Fields had a brief moment of success on an early rep, carrying the ball for a 30-yard gain down the right sideline. But his other two rushing attempts lost a total of four yards, and his lone pass fell incomplete, a critically botched third-down conversion on a vertical throw to WR George Pickens. Fields also broke up late on one of the Steelers’ failed fourth-down conversions, a consequence of switching quarterbacks mid-drive.

Although Pittsburgh is practicing these reps for Fields, there is only a loose plan for when they will be implemented. Even Wilson doesn’t know when he’ll be sent out and Fields will come in.

“Anticipating it, I don’t know when it’s going to happen,” Wilson said. “Obviously, we have different tags and everything else. But I don’t necessarily know when that will happen.”

It will always be a fine line to walk between when and how often to use Fields. It’s clear the Steelers are still trying to find that balance between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields as they adjust on the fly midway through the season. It’s one of many aspects to examine after a nasty loss to the Browns.