Steelers' Justin Fields laughs off silly, controversial idea

Justin Fields may not have a legitimate chance to win the Pittsburgh Steelers' starting quarterback job over veteran Russell Wilson this summer, but that doesn't mean Fields will return kickoffs for the club anytime soon.

"Nah, I think everybody kind of interpreted it wrong," Fields said on Tuesday about what apparently has become a humorous story hovering over the Steelers this spring, per Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "[Special teams coordinator Danny Smith] was basically just trying to send a message that no matter who you are, you could be on special teams. He just used that as an example."

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren first mentioned the idea of Fields possibly returning kicks during an appearance on the "Not Just Football with Cam Heyward" podcast. Heyward later noted that he did not "think we're gonna be doing that anytime soon."

"It’s funny how serious social media takes everything," Fields continued during his comments. "It was kind of funny to me when everybody was making a big deal about it for no reason."

While Fields may receive a short-term contract extension from the Steelers before Week 1, Wilson is in the "pole position" to serve as Pittsburgh's starter for the club's regular-season opener at the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 8. 

On Tuesday, Fields was able to joke about his role on the roster and suggested that Smith "might cook something up" regarding the 25-year-old becoming a special-teams weapon.

Fields also seemed to understand he needed to be somewhat careful with his words.

"Nah, I’m not here to do that," Fields ultimately admitted about potentially returning kickoffs. "It was kind of a joke, to be honest with you."

Fields pointed out that he is working on "the little things" as it pertains to learning the system run by new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. 

The 2021 first-round draft pick is currently on track to watch the action from the sidelines when Pittsburgh faces Atlanta on the second Sunday of September but will need to be ready to lead the offense as a QB1 in case Wilson is sidelined for any reason that afternoon.