Mike Tomlin -- 'No need' to name Justin Fields as Steelers' QB1 - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — Despite preparing for quarterback Justin Fields to start a fourth consecutive game for the undefeated Steelers on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, coach Mike Tomlin declined to name him the starter going forward over veteran Russell Wilson, who has been sidelined with a lingering calf injury.

«Because there's no need,» Tomlin said when asked why he won't name Fields the permanent starting quarterback. «I explained to you the variables of the week. It has not changed. He's going to walk in this building with that mindset tomorrow, and so really, there's no need to. Sometimes in this business, man, there's a myriad of complex decisions that need to be made.

»I've learned to make them when it's appropriate and it's not necessary as we sit here right now, when Russ gets to an appropriate point of health and we have a decision to make, I'll make it and I'll announce it and I'll be really transparent about it, but until then, I don't care how many ways you guys ask me, I got no intentions of making the decision that's unnecessary at this juncture."

Tomlin, though, was vague when asked to elaborate on what an appropriate level of health is for Wilson, who initially injured his calf in late July on the eve of training camp during the team's conditioning test.

«We'll know when we get there,» Tomlin said. «He'll not only be healthy in terms of keeping himself safe, but he'll be healthy in terms of being able to be productive and do the things that he needs to do and we need him to do.»

As has been the case for the past two weeks, Wilson will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. But Tomlin said they'll revisit Wilson's status at the end of the week if his practice participation increases throughout