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Insider reveals Jets' feelings about facing Russell Wilson, not Justin Fields
Despite a 4-2 start to the season with Justin Fields under center, the Pittsburgh Steelers are still making a quarterback change on Sunday night to insert Russell Wilson into the starting lineup for his first start of the season.
It is a move that has confused most outside observers and fans.
It has also apparently surprised the New York Jets, their opponent on Sunday night.
The Jets are also reportedly not mad about it.
According to a report on Saturday from The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Jets are happy about the Steelers' decision to switch from Fields to Wilson due to his lack of playing time and the rust he might be shaking off when he does start the game.
"Many in the Jets’ building are wondering what’s going on too — but make no mistake, they are happy about the news. They know Wilson will be knocking off rust and may even be dealing with some nerves. He’s getting his first start as a Steeler in prime time, at home, with former President Trump in attendance. It’s a gamble. Wilson, a former Super Bowl winner and nine-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a different player since being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos in 2022. His swag is at an all-time low."
Fields has not been great the past couple of weeks and has missed some passes you would like to see a quarterback make, while the Steelers offense remains near the bottom of the NFL in terms of points per game. There is plenty of room for improvement.
Still, Fields has made enough plays — especially with his feet — to give the team opportunities to win games. Wilson entered the season as the Steelers' starting quarterback but has been sidelined since early in training camp with a calf injury that has finally healed. Now that he is healthy, the Steelers want to see what he can do and if he can jumpstart the offense.
While he is, in theory, a better passer than Fields, he has not really worked much with the Steelers' first-team offense, will be playing his first NFL game since late in the 2023 season and will be going against an excellent Jets defense. He will be doing all of that while playing behind a Steelers offensive line that has been hit by injuries. Pass protection could be an issue, and not having Fields' mobility might be a problem, and it removes the one positive thing the Steelers had going for them.
It is a significant risk for the Steelers. If Wilson enters the lineup and jumpstarts the passing game, it could make the Steelers a formidable contender in the AFC given their defense. If Wilson struggles and they lose a big AFC game, it is going to lead to a lot of second-guessing for head coach Mike Tomlin and his coaching staff.
More must-reads:
- Jets play-caller has advice for Aaron Rodgers after Davante Adams trade
- Jets WR Mike Williams breaks silence after public criticism from QB Aaron Rodgers
- The 'Prominent quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history' quiz
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Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love’s ‘Fiery’ Response to Wife’s Take on Franchise’s Timeless Tradition
Green Bay Packers star quarterback Jordan Love and his wife, Ronika Stone Love, are truly in, well, love. The couple just got married in June, and with the Packers deep into their preparation for the upcoming 2025 NFL season, Ronika shows full support for her husband. In a social media post on Instagram, Ronika shared a series of photos from last Saturday’s Packers Family Night at Lambeau Field. The first photo on the post shows a happy Ronika in the arms of the former Utah State Aggies star signal-caller. “My version of a Lambeau Leap,” Ronika wrote as a caption. Last season, Love played in 15 games, throwing for a total of 3,389 passing yards to go along with 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That year was considered a down one for Love, but many expect him to come up with a bigger performance in 2025, as Green Bay looks to surpass its 11-win total in 2024. Fans react to Jordan Love’s wife’s Green Bay Packers Lambeau Leap Apart from Love, many others reacted to Ronika’s heartwarming post. Here are some of them: “Two Green Bay 10’s right there,” said a fan. Another one said: “Hair looks amazing” From a commenter: “Awhhhh y’all are so cute!! And I’m obsessed with the hair it’s giving SZA!! ” “Love the Loves!,” a social media user posted. Via a different commenter: “your outfit is adorable” Said another: “I love the fit! Both of yall ”
Brock Lesnar makes shocking return at WWE SummerSlam
It's feeling like 2012 all over again. SummerSlam 2025 ended with shock and nostalgia when Brock Lesnar returned unannounced and dropped John Cena with a thunderous F5, just as Cena was addressing the crowd during his retirement tour. The moment felt poetic, mirroring the night after WrestleMania 28 in 2012, when Lesnar returned to WWE for the first time in eight years and F5’d Cena, launching a brutal and unforgettable rivalry. This attack wasn’t just for show. With Cena’s farewell tour expected to end in December, the timing of Lesnar’s return feels intentional. WWE is known for delivering emotional, high-stakes finales for its legends and this could be the setup for one last epic clash between two of the most iconic figures in company history. Their rivalry has always delivered, from their battles in 2012–14 to the infamous “Suplex City” beatdown at SummerSlam 2014. Now, with both men nearing the end of their in-ring careers, fans may be getting a final chapter in this storied feud. Whether it culminates at the Royal Rumble or on the grandest stage of them all at WrestleMania 41, the anticipation is real. Lesnar has been off WWE TV for nearly a year, making this return even more impactful. For Cena, who has been embracing his final run with open arms, a showdown with Lesnar is a fitting, full-circle moment. It’s the kind of storytelling WWE thrives on — legacy vs. legacy, pride vs. redemption.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Star Leaves Training Camp Practice With Groin Injury
Training camp is often a time of hope and excitement as teams prepare for the grind of the NFL season. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s also a proving ground—one where the pieces of a championship-worthy roster come together under the watchful eye of head coach Mike Tomlin. But for every moment of optimism, there’s also the looming risk of injuries. Unfortunately, the Steelers were hit with one of those moments recently when star outside linebacker Alex Highsmith suffered a groin injury during practice. The news has triggered both concern and introspection within the team and among fans. Highsmith isn’t just another player on the depth chart—he’s a foundational piece of the Steelers’ defense. His absence, whether it’s short or long-term, could have major implications for the team’s plans this season. Here’s a closer look at Highsmith’s value, the challenges of his recovery, and how the Steelers can adapt in his absence. Alex Highsmith’s Role in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Defense The Watt-Highsmith Duo When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense, T.J. Watt understandably comes to mind first. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year commands double teams and wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. But Alex Highsmith has emerged as an equally vital force on the opposite side of the field. Together, they form one of the NFL’s most dynamic pass-rushing duos. Alex Highsmith, entering his sixth NFL season, has developed into a nightmare for offensive opponents. His mix of speed and strength, coupled with his relentless motor, allows him to excel both against the pass and the run. Last season, despite missing some time due to a similar groin issue, Highsmith still recorded six sacks and made countless disruptive plays that don’t always show up on the stat sheet. Beyond the stats, Highsmith’s presence impacts the entire defense. His ability to apply pressure from the edge forces quarterbacks into hurried decisions and creates opportunities for the secondary. With Highsmith and Watt healthy, Pittsburgh’s defense can dominate games. Their complementary styles make it nearly impossible for offenses to focus protection schemes on one player, giving the Steelers an edge—literally and figuratively. Leadership on and off the Field Highsmith’s value goes beyond his physical abilities; he’s also an emotional leader. Known for his work ethic and team-first attitude, he has become a key figure in fostering the Steelers’ locker room culture. His absence during camp doesn’t just leave a gap on the field—it leaves a void in leadership during an important bonding period for the team. The Challenge of a Groin Injury Tricky Recovery Process Groin injuries are notoriously difficult to manage. They impact a player’s ability to move explosively—something critical for a pass rusher who relies on short bursts of power and agility. The recovery process requires a careful balance of rest, physical therapy, and gradual reintroduction to full activity. Rushing back too soon can lead to setbacks or re-injury, so the medical staff will likely take a cautious approach with Highsmith. While the severity of his current injury hasn’t been fully disclosed, it’s worth noting that he dealt with a similar issue last year. That history could influence how both the team and Highsmith handle his rehab. Timing as a Silver Lining The good news—for now—is that the injury happened during training camp, leaving weeks before the start of the regular season. This gives Highsmith valuable time to recover without having to miss meaningful games. However, even a short absence from training camp can disrupt a player’s rhythm and conditioning. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, ensuring Highsmith is fully healthy and at peak readiness by Week 1 will be a priority. Implications for the Steelers Adjusting Without Highsmith If Highsmith is sidelined for any amount of time, the Steelers will need to rely on their depth to fill the gap. Fortunately, Pittsburgh has a solid stable of defensive players who have impressed during camp. Nick Herbig, a rookie out of Wisconsin, has shown promise in early practices and could see an expanded role. Additionally, the team has veterans like Markus Golden, who bring experience and versatility to the position. That said, no combination of replacements can fully replicate what Highsmith brings to the table. His absence would force the Steelers to adjust their defensive schemes, potentially limiting their ability to generate consistent pressure without sending extra blitzers. A Test of Resilience If there’s one thing the Steelers’ organization is known for, it’s resilience. Injuries are part of the game, and Mike Tomlin’s teams have consistently shown they can adapt and overcome adversity. Still, losing a player like Highsmith, even temporarily, underscores the importance of depth and preparation throughout training camp. Final Thoughts Alex Highsmith’s groin injury is an unwelcome development for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it’s far from insurmountable. His contributions as a pass rusher, leader, and disruptor are invaluable, and his recovery will be critical to the team’s fortunes this season. While the injury serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, it’s also an opportunity for the Steelers to rally and reassert their strength as a unit. Here’s hoping Highsmith’s recovery goes smoothly and that the Steelers’ pass-rushing star is back wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks in no time. Until then, resilience will remain the team’s rallying cry as they prepare for what promises to be another hard-fought NFL season.
Montreal’s Cap Strategy: Canadiens Face Hutson Contract Dilemma
As the NHL salary cap begins to rise significantly, young restricted free agents are finding themselves at the heart of a shifting contract landscape. For the Montreal Canadiens and defenseman Lane Hutson, that means determining a new contract that reflects his actual value—without disrupting the team’s internal structure. While fans eagerly await an extension for the skilled blueliner, Elliotte Friedman noted on his latest 32 Thoughts podcast episode that the Canadiens initially hoped to keep Hutson’s number under Nick Suzuki’s $7.875 million cap hit. Suzuki, the team’s captain and centerpiece forward, has been the financial benchmark for Montreal’s core. However, the market has moved. A contract like Noah Dobson’s—eight years at $9.5 million per season signed this summer—is now seen as a more realistic comp, which creates potential issues for the Canadiens and their contract negotiations moving forward. As one insider put it, teams and players are “still figuring out” the new sweet spot for long-term RFA deals, especially as they try to project future jumps in the salary cap. The good news is that Hutson is one of the few big deals the Canadiens have to worry about. Most of their key players are locked into what will be viewed as team-friendly deals over the next few seasons. Still, the Canadiens may ultimately have to accept that Hutson’s extension will land well above Suzuki’s figure, especially as the 2025-26 offseason sees another leap in the salary cap. Comparable defensemen will ink richer deals, and Hutson may be the best among them. Should Canadiens Push for Hutson Contract Extension, Or Will Hutson Wait? As is the case with many teams that have big-name UFA and RFA players waiting for the market to sort itself out, this is a fluid situation in Montreal. Hutson’s extension may be about timing. But with each passing day, the pressure grows on the Canadiens to strike a balance between rewarding a future star and preserving the peace on what players are being paid already by the team. Lane Hutson’s next contract won’t just shape his future—it might quietly reshape Montreal’s.
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