Following a quarterback battle, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that Russell Wilson will be the team's Week 1 starter under center.
The Steelers signed Wilson to a one-year contract this offseason after an unsuccessful two-year stint with the Denver Broncos.
But about a week later, they acquired Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears, who had the rights to Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Pittsburgh Steelers player Russell Wilson (No. 3) steps back to throw a pass during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Justin Baer/Getty Images)
Wilson was widely expected to be the starter, but head coach Mike Tomlin did not officially name the starter until after the team's final preseason game.
With the Broncos, Wilson went 11-19 as a starter, completing 63.3% of his passes for 6,594 yards, 42 touchdowns and 19 interceptions.
Wilson improved in his second season with the Broncos, going from 16 to 26 touchdowns and improving from 4-11 to 7-8, but the blockbuster trade made to acquire him two years ago didn't seem to work out as expected.
Russell Wilson (#3) looks on alongside Justin Fields (#2) of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Pittsburgh Steelers' OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Michigan State's Donovan Edwards denies team's sign-stealing allegations
Wilson is a nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback, while Fields was the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Fields told reporters last week he was confident he had what it took to be named a starter.
“I think I've shown what I'm capable of,” Fields told reporters on Thursday. “I thought the time I worked out in training camp (with the first team) went well. I thought I've improved a lot every day. But at the end of the day, it's not all on me. I just come here every day as the same person and work hard as a leader on this team and the rest will take care of itself.”
But Wilson's performance and veteran presence seemed enough to hold Fields in check.
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 6: Pittsburgh Steelers player Russell Wilson (number 3) prepares for a pass during the Pittsburgh Steelers' OTA offseason workout at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
However, there is plenty of speculation that Fields could take over the role sooner if Wilson doesn't perform as well as the Steelers expect.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
