Steelers coach pushing to use Justin Fields in surprising role?

Sep 11, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields may not enter the 2024 season as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback, but one member of Mike Tomlin’s staff apparently wants to use the dynamic playmaker in a much different role.

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was a guest on the latest episode of teammate Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast, which was released on Thursday. During the appearance, Warren was asked if he has any interest in returning kicks this year with the new XFL-style kickoff that the NFL has adopted. Warren said he thinks it would be “pretty cool.” He then revealed that Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith wants Fields to return kicks.

“Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there,” Warren said. “We were like hold up, hold up. We were like, ‘Justin Fields back there?’ I don’t know, I think it’s cool.”

#Steelers RB Jaylen Warren says their special teams coordinator discussed the possibility of having Justin Fields return kicks under the new kickoff rules.

(via @NotJustFootball)pic.twitter.com/N4WGMwETxV

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 2, 2024

There is a big difference between a special teams coordinator saying he wants a player to return kicks and that player actually returning kicks. Smith knows that Fields has tremendous speed and athletic ability, so the coach probably did mention having Fields return kicks. That does not mean it is going to happen.

Tomlin has said Russell Wilson is in the “pole position” for the starting quarterback job. Even if Wilson enters Week 1 as the starter, there have been suggestions that Fields will be involved in the offense. We highly doubt he will have any type of role on special teams.