Halicke: Switch to Wilson inevitable, but won't mean the end for Fields

Following the Steelers' victory over the Chargers in Week 3, I began to have doubts that Justin Fields would stick as starting quarterback. The team was unexpectedly 3-0. Yes, the defense was lights-out, but Fields was playing at a much higher level than expected.

So, I reached out to people I trust on the inside, and every response was the same: "It's still Russ' job."

It's all but a foregone conclusion that Russell Wilson, barring any setbacks, will be making his Steelers debut against the Jets this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium. Mike Tomlin stated last week that Wilson had proven his health, then put Wilson "in consideration" for the start during his Tuesday press conference this week. More telling, Wilson's been taking first-team reps, Fields moved his media availability to a time different from Wilson for the first time all season, and Wilson pretty much spilled the beans after the Thursday practice.

"It’s the first game of the year for me," Wilson said. "But you know, I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of first games. So the confidence is there, obviously, and then just being out with the guys, that's the fun part about this game is just playing the playing the game you love and doing the physical part of getting the end zone hopefully, and scoring bunch of touchdowns."

Tomlin is making this switch despite his team being 4-2. His comments about Fields may have sounded like he was talking out of both sides of his mouth. But there's a big reason why: This is the opposite situation of what we witnessed when Mason Rudolph supplanted Kenny Pickett as the starting quarterback last season.

The fact of the matter is, and I've heard these sentiments from players, coaches and members of the front office: They all love both of these quarterbacks. They believe Wilson may be able to help the offense unlock some of the issues in the passing game thus far, which have been very evident over the past two weeks. But, they also really like what Fields showed during these six games.

That starts with a genuine respect and admiration that Wilson and Fields have for each other. They've known each other a long time, and Fields has liked the idea of learning from Wilson ever since he was acquired by the Steelers. And while the two quarterbacks play the game differently, they are both natural leaders.

Remember this: The players voted for Wilson as a captain. They didn't have to. They weren't strong-armed into that decision. They voted him as captain because he earned their respect.

At the same time, the players have developed a very strong affinity for Fields. He has full support in that locker room. Every single player I've spoken with, regardless of the type of conversation, has expressed the utmost respect for Fields and would ride with him boldly should he get another shot.

In turn, due to the way he's fit in the locker room and with what he's shown on the field, I'm told there's consideration for Fields in Pittsburgh beyond 2024. And, no, that doesn't fly in the face of what I reported in August that the Steelers were already considering another contract for Wilson after the season. Theoretically, they could try to keep both guys again and run it back.

Even if Wilson takes over and plays the rest of the year, there's no guarantee that one of the quarterback-needy teams will offer Fields a chance to start. Should that not happen, why not run it back with the Steelers? After all, as it's played out this year, there's a good chance he'll get to play and further make his case to be the quarterback of the future.

As for 2024, it was always going to be Wilson's job. Remember, he was signed before Fields. They could have traded for Fields first and had him compete with Pickett for the starting job. But, they wanted Wilson. And after Pickett requested a trade, that's when they identified Fields as his replacement -- the young quarterback with franchise-type potential.

Maybe, just maybe, if Fields would have helped lead the Steelers to a 6-0 record and had his overall performance not have regressed, then Tomlin might have been stuck with riding the hot hand. But, from everything that's been told to me, it would have taken near perfection to keep Wilson from getting on the field.

So, now we'll get to see what Wilson has left. And, in case it doesn't work out, Fields has given the Steelers a solid backup plan with serious upside.

MORE STEELERS

• Yes, the Steelers have interest in Jets receiver Mike Williams. This isn't breaking news of any kind. But, national reporters have to make noise on X/Twitter, so they'll tweet it and get fans all riled up about it, one way or another.

Let me put it to you this way: I didn't send one text to any sources when I saw the Jets were putting Williams on the trading block. Why? Because I knew Omar Khan had already reached out. When anyone is available that can make the team better, Khan will do his due diligence and reach out. Receiver's been a position they've tried to address since Diontae Johnson was traded. Thus, Khan will automatically reach out if a receiver becomes available that can make the team better.

However, just to do my due diligence, yes, I got it confirmed: The Steelers have shown interest in Williams. How much? That remains yet to be seen. But, the next time you see a receiver become available via trade over the next three weeks, automatically assume Khan has at least reached out about it.

• Speaking of Johnson, just a reminder that due to the NFL rulebook, the Steelers cannot possibly trade for him should the Panthers consider putting him on the trade block. Teams cannot trade for players they've traded away until after two years have passed. The only way they could reunite in the meantime is if Johnson were to become a free agent and the Steelers sign him to a contract.

• I'm told Nick Herbig suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which likely means his earliest return won't come until after the bye week. Really sucks for the kid. He finally gets a legitimate shot and suffers this injury. Herbig may get on the practice field before the bye, but I'd be surprised if he gets a hat on gameday either of the next two weeks.

• I've also been told a similar timeline with Zach Frazier, that he's out until after the bye week. And, just watching him maneuver around the locker room, it's not at all surprising. 

• Funny story about DeShon Elliott: I asked him this week about the fumble recovery he had when T.J. Watt punched the ball out near the goal line. Though it definitely looked like he was stumbling, it almost appeared as if he was trying to be stealthy and then suddenly take off:

"No, I was falling down because T.J. grabbed me," he told me.

We shared a good laugh. But he said he had players and family members ask him the same thing, so I'm at least not way off base for thinking it.

This dude's a delight in the locker room. Lots of energy.  And as you can see from watching him every week, that translates to his play, as well.