Steelers star defender on QB Justin Fields: 'This guy's a problem'

That has allowed fellow quarterback Justin Fields to take most of the snaps with the first-team offense, and it's safe to say Pittsburgh's defense has had its hands full with the No. 11 overall pick in 2021.

After yet another good showing by Fields on Wednesday, which included another long run that he went untouched, veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts noted how difficult it is to cover Fields.

"Big time," Roberts stated. "Outside the pocket, this guy's a problem. Inside the pocket, he's a problem. ... He's the type of guy that's always going to keep you on your toes."

Fields' dual-threat capability is the exact reason the Steelers traded for him earlier this offseason. 

Over the past two years, the 25-year-old has thrown for 4,804 yards and 33 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Fields must still beat out Wilson, who has the "pole position" to be Pittsburgh's starter, but whether that happens or not, he is still helping the defense prepare for a tough year of opposing quarterbacks.

"It helps us a lot," Roberts added. "You've got Lamar (Jackson), Deshaun (Watson) can still run. ... We playing Jalen Hurts this year. We got Dak Prescott. ... It gets us prepared for that element."

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin shares the same notion.

"When he breaks the pocket, he is dangerous, and he can turn a bad play into a really good play really fast," Austin said. "It's really good work for us because we're gonna run across quarterbacks like that."

Only the Steelers coaches know where Fields stands in the quarterback competition, but the more he plays well and consistently in practice while Wilson is limited, the stronger his case will be for QB1.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.