Steelers sticking with Justin Fields at QB over injured Russell Wilson for Week 3

Justin Fields will likely make his third straight start at quarterback when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Fields will practice with the starters during the early portion of the week while Russell Wilson continues to rehab from a calf injury he aggravated a few days ahead of the season opener earlier this month.

Tomlin said there has been no change in Wilson's status. The nine-time Pro Bowler was limited in practice last week and while Wilson said he believes he is getting closer to a return, the Steelers are planning to have Fields play against the unbeaten Chargers (2-0).

Tomlin declined to answer questions on whether Fields has supplanted Wilson as the full-time starter, saying any discussion was hypothetical because Wilson has been unavailable.

Fields has played mistake-free while helping guide the Steelers to their first 2-0 start since 2020. He has yet to throw an interception and has used his legs to extend plays and convert third downs while developing a quick rapport with wide receiver George Pickens.

"He loves to compete," Tomlin said of Fields. "He's got a quiet confidence about him. He doesn't change in environments. There's a clarity in his communication and his response to communications that's really comfortable."

[Related: Ben Roethlisberger believes Justin Fields has 'earned' right to be Steelers QB1 ]

At one point during Sunday's victory over Denver, Tomlin pulled Fields aside and tasked him with giving a pep talk to an offense that struggled to move the ball in the second half.

"I asked him to do it in his own voice, in his own words," Tomlin said. "Those are some of the things you ask the quarterback to do. It's just really