The Russell Wilson-led Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Lions in Detroit today in their final preseason game, but it appears there is more at stake. On Thursday, head coach Mike Tomlin clarified that the role of starting quarterback will remain unchanged, meaning Wilson is still the starter. However, like in their loss to the Bills, backup Justin Fields will take the field later in the game and share duties with Wilson.

This goes without saying, but Fields now has another chance to gain an advantage and secure the starting position. In the season opener against the Texans, Fields only played three series despite Wilson’s calf injury. The former Bears QB completed 5 of 6 passes for 67 yards and ultimately lost the game.

Fields then showed off his talent in the home game against the Bills, completing 11 of 17 passes for 92 yards. However, with the fourth-year quarterback having to share duties with Wilson, fans wished they had seen more of Fields.

For that very reason, Steeler Nation couldn’t help but hope that Fields would take over the starting position this week. And when Ian Rapoport on X, formerly known as Twitter, proclaimed that the upcoming game would be “a big one” for the club’s QB position, optimistic fans flocked to the comments to share their thoughts:

Some fans were already aware of what was at stake here, noting that there was no way Fields would get the starting job ahead of Wilson. Wilson’s experience as a quarterback for multiple franchises and his Super Bowl ring are enough for Tomlin to hold on to him until things “start going south.”

Nevertheless, there is certainly a lot at stake in the upcoming duel. After two losses in a row, the Steelers will have to show strength. But that will not be easy, as the Lions go into the duel with a win against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The game takes place this Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET. You can watch it on NFL Network or stream it on SlingTV.