Steelers insider slams door on Russell Wilson, Justin Fields competition

On Tuesday, Steelers quarterback Justin Fields declared he is "definitely competing" with veteran Russell Wilson for the club's starting job through the summer. 

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Athletic isn't buying what Fields was trying to sell.

"The reality of the situation is that — barring injury — there is no chance that Fields will be the starting quarterback over Wilson for the season opener Sept. 8 [at the Atlanta Falcons]," Kaboly wrote.

The Steelers signed Wilson to a team-friendly contract in March before they traded with the Chicago Bears for Fields. Wilson reportedly has impressed members of the Steelers with his "relentless work ethic," and Kaboly suggested that the 35-year-old is essentially serving as the starter and a leader during organized team activities. 

"It doesn’t matter how well Fields plays in the spring or summer," Kaboly continued. "The Steelers chose Wilson and will see it through, regardless of what coach Mike Tomlin, Wilson or Fields says over the next few months." 

Wilson was linked with both the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders before he headed to the Steel City. Neither he nor Fields is signed beyond the upcoming season, and that reality has caused some to assume it's a matter of when and not if the 25-year-old will be given a chance to play between the Atlanta game and Week 18. 

"Wilson knows he’s the starter," Kaboly directly said. "Tomlin knows Wilson is the starter. And Fields knows Wilson is the starter regardless of what happens from now until, frankly, the end of the year."

Numerous analysts, reporters and other individuals believe Wilson will thrive with Pittsburgh largely because offensive coordinator Arthur Smith plans to rely heavily on his rushing attack. Kaboly expanded on why Wilson will enter training camp as the best QB1 for Smith's system.

"The Steelers want to be a downhill running team that uses play-action passes often to pick up chunk yards deep downfield," Kaboly explained. "Wilson had a 112.5 passer rating on attempts of 20-plus yards last year. He had a 117.2 passer rating when using play action, completing 67.6 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and averaging 7.5 yards per attempt."

As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Wilson fifth among the betting favorites at +1200 odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award in his first campaign with Pittsburgh. Assuming Kaboly is correct, Fields won't be part of CPOTY conversations before some point next offseason.