Why Steelers legend loves current Russell Wilson, Justin Fields situation

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger previously backed Justin Fields to remain the club's starting quarterback over Russell Wilson after Fields guided Pittsburgh to a 4-2 record. 

Coming off back-to-back victories that Wilson notched as Pittsburgh's QB1, Roethlisberger explained during the latest edition of his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast that he thinks sitting behind the one-time Super Bowl champion "is only gonna benefit" Fields. 

"If Justin is your guy of the future, which is what it appears like [the Steelers are] thinking, then sit him behind Russ for the rest of the year and let him learn and let him see what it's about," Roethlisberger said, as shared by Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot. "And continue to grow because he came in and had to go right away." 

Roethlisberger referenced how Fields made 10 starts as a rookie with the Chicago Bears, even though the original plan was for the 2021 first-round draft pick to sit and learn behind Andy Dalton. Meanwhile, neither Wilson (35 years old) nor Fields (25) is signed beyond this season. Thus, head coach Mike Tomlin could stick with Wilson until further notice, knowing the club could move on to Fields next year even if the veteran continues to play well through January. 

By all accounts, Wilson has been a tremendous teammate and a great mentor for Fields since this past spring. Roethlisberger seemingly offered some advice for Fields regarding how the fourth-year pro should handle what could be considered somewhat of a harsh demotion. 

"I'm gonna make the most of this," Roethlisberger added about Fields serving as Pittsburgh's QB2. "And I'm gonna sit here, and I'm gonna learn everything I can. Maybe he's sitting there thinking, 'I'm gonna do everything I can to make this my team next year.'" 

Wilson missed Pittsburgh's first six games this season due to a lingering calf injury, and there's no guarantee he'll stay healthy through Week 18. While Fields understandably may have concerns about the Steelers' long-term plans for their quarterback situation, he needs to focus on improving aspects of his game in the event that Wilson becomes unavailable for any reason.