Steelers OC drops interesting hint about Justin Fields

Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields has not seen any action since the Pittsburgh Steelers benched him, but offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said that could still change for the quarterback.

Smith made clear Thursday that the Steelers still have a package of plays specifically for Fields, and added that he is ready and willing to use it. The offensive coordinator said it was down to “the flow of the game,” and that Fields could get his shot at any time.

“We’ve had a package every week. It goes back to the flow of the game,” Smith told reporters. “It will be ready to go when we need it. Maybe it will be this Sunday. Maybe it will be next Sunday.”

Smith on using Justin Fields: "We've had a package every week. It goes back to the flow of the game. It will be ready to go when we need it. Maybe it will be this Sunday. Maybe it will be next Sunday."

— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) November 14, 2024

Fields had been dealing with an injury that actually left him inactive in Week 8, but that appears to be behind him. The Steelers still think a lot of Fields’ mobility, especially relative to Russell Wilson’s.

Wilson has unquestionably locked down the starting job, as Pittsburgh’s offense has looked much better since the switch was made. Fields could still throw opposing defenses off, but if he gets the chance, it will be a very brief cameo.