National NFL reporter and analyst Dianna Russini of The Athletic raised eyebrows earlier this week when she reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers "100 percent" plan to utilize special packages for quarterback Justin Fields, assuming veteran Russell Wilson opens the season as Pittsburgh's starter.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly isn't buying what Russini tried to sell.
"Until I see it, I don't believe it," Kaboly said about the situation during a recent appearance on Pittsburgh sports radio station 93.7 The Fan, as shared by Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. "I haven't seen anything that would suggest that right now."
During springtime workouts, Wilson seemed open to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith creating special packages for Fields that could be utilized during regular-season games. Earlier this month, NFL analyst Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated mentioned that Smith could go one step further and use dual-quarterback packages featuring both Wilson and Fields on the field simultaneously.
Perhaps some continue to discuss such ideas because there doesn't seem to be any quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh ahead of training camp. By just about every account, Wilson is already penciled in as the club's QB1 for its regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8.
Josh Carney of Steelers Depot noted on Thursday how FS1 personality Craig Carton said this week he'd have Fields "on the field for 10 or 15 plays a game" because the 25-year-old is "as elusive as any guy in the sport with the ball in his hands." Kaboly doesn't see that happening.
"I think Russell Wilson is pretty good in situations [at] the goal line, in the red zone, and you don't want to turn the ball over there," Kaboly added. "And that's the biggest issue with Fields and the biggest thing the Steelers want to avoid this year."
It's also worth pointing out that Wilson turns 36 years old in November and has been injured in each of the past three seasons. Thus, it's understandable the Steelers would want to keep Fields as a healthy backup and not risk him getting hurt on a gimmicky play.
