BREAKING NEWS: Pittsburgh Steelers’ Justin Fields Set to Miss the Next Three Games Due to Hamstring Injury
In the ever-changing landscape of the NFL, injuries are a constant threat that can derail even the most promising seasons. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that has been climbing back into playoff contention after a series of rebuilding years, news of a key injury to one of their star players has shaken their fanbase to its core. In a stunning development, it was revealed this week that Steelers’ starting quarterback Justin Fields is set to miss the next three games due to a hamstring injury he sustained during the team’s Week 9 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The loss of Fields, who has been performing at a high level for the Steelers in the 2024 season, is a significant blow to the team’s chances of maintaining their momentum as they continue to push for a playoff spot. The quarterback, who was acquired via trade from the Chicago Bears in the offseason, had quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, combining his strong arm with his unique dual-threat abilities. However, this hamstring injury, which was confirmed after an MRI earlier this week, leaves the Steelers with several questions to answer over the next month.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into what Justin Fields’ injury means for the Pittsburgh Steelers, examine how the team will adjust in his absence, and consider what impact this could have on their playoff aspirations.
A Quick Look at Justin Fields’ Impact on the Steelers
Before delving into the specifics of the injury, it’s important to understand just how crucial Justin Fields has been to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ resurgence this season.
When Fields arrived in Pittsburgh during the 2024 offseason, there was palpable excitement among the Steelers’ faithful. Fields had shown flashes of brilliance in Chicago, where his combination of mobility, arm strength, and playmaking ability made him one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the league. Despite the Bears’ struggles, Fields had been a bright spot, showing the ability to throw the ball deep, escape pressure, and make spectacular plays both inside and outside of the pocket.
The Steelers, long known for their strong defense and consistent running game, had been searching for a quarterback to lead the team into a new era. The team had been mired in mediocrity for several seasons, with a revolving door of quarterbacks who failed to elevate the offense. Fields was the answer to that problem, a quarterback who could take advantage of the Steelers’ elite defense while adding an extra dimension to the offense with his legs.
In 2024, Fields delivered on that promise. He quickly earned the starting job and became the centerpiece of the offense. Through the first eight games of the season, Fields had thrown for 2,400 yards, 18 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions. More importantly, he had also rushed for over 350 yards and 4 touchdowns, giving the Steelers a true dual-threat quarterback for the first time in years. His ability to extend plays and create offense with his legs made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
With Fields at the helm, the Steelers had quietly become one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, boasting a top-10 offense and a top-5 defense. This balance had made them legitimate contenders in the AFC North, and they were positioned for a strong second-half run.
However, Fields’ injury has thrown a wrench into those plans.
Details of the Injury
The injury occurred during the Steelers’ Week 9 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Early in the second quarter, Fields appeared to pull up awkwardly while attempting to scramble for a first down. He initially remained in the game but was noticeably limping and was seen rubbing his right hamstring after the play. Trainers quickly attended to him on the sideline, and it was clear that he was in considerable discomfort. Fields tried to return to the game in the second half but was ultimately sidelined for the remainder of the contest after it became clear that the injury was more serious than initially thought.
Following the game, Fields underwent an MRI, which confirmed the diagnosis: a strained hamstring that would require at least three weeks of rest and rehabilitation. The injury is being described as moderate in severity, meaning that while Fields won’t need surgery, he will need time to recover fully before returning to the field. The team has since confirmed that he will miss the next three games, which include matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Tennessee Titans.
This is a significant blow for the Steelers, who will have to navigate their next few games without their starting quarterback. The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, has remained optimistic that Fields will return to full strength after the three-week recovery period, but in the meantime, the Steelers are left to prepare for life without their star quarterback.
The Next Man Up: Who Will Start in Fields’ Absence?
With Fields sidelined for the next three weeks, the Steelers must turn to backup quarterback Mason Rudolph to guide the offense. Rudolph, a veteran of the Steelers’ quarterback room, is no stranger to starting games in Pittsburgh, having filled in during previous seasons when Ben Roethlisberger was injured. While Rudolph is a solid backup, he is a significant downgrade from Fields in terms of mobility and playmaking ability.
Rudolph’s most memorable season as a starter came in 2019 when he filled in for Roethlisberger after the future Hall of Famer went down with an elbow injury. That season, Rudolph started eight games but struggled to replicate Roethlisberger’s production, finishing with 13 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Rudolph’s inability to stretch the field with his arm and his lack of mobility were key factors that limited the offense during his time as a starter.
However, Rudolph has had time to develop under the tutelage of Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. In limited action this season, he has looked more comfortable in the offense and has shown that he can manage a game without making costly mistakes. Still, there’s a noticeable drop-off in playmaking ability when compared to Fields, especially when it comes to escaping pressure and turning broken plays into big gains with his legs.
Rudolph will have to rely heavily on the Steelers’ running game and the defense to keep the team competitive while Fields recovers. Fortunately for Rudolph, the Steelers boast one of the best running back duos in the league in Najee Harris and Jalen Warren. Harris, in particular, has been playing at a high level this season, racking up over 900 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. The team’s offensive line has also been solid, providing adequate protection and opening running lanes for the backs.
With Rudolph at the helm, the Steelers will likely lean on a more conservative, run-heavy offense to minimize the strain on their backup quarterback. The defense, which has been one of the top units in the league this season, will also need to step up in a big way to keep the team competitive in Fields’ absence.
How the Steelers Will Adjust
The Steelers’ coaching staff faces the difficult task of adjusting their offensive game plan to accommodate Rudolph’s skill set. With Fields’ ability to extend plays and attack defenses with his legs, the offense had become more dynamic and unpredictable. Rudolph, while a capable quarterback, lacks the same ability to create offense with his feet.
The biggest change will likely come in the form of a more traditional offensive approach. The Steelers may opt to focus more on the running game, featuring Najee Harris and Jalen Warren to move the chains and control the clock. With a backup quarterback in Rudolph, the team will likely take fewer risks downfield and focus on short, quick passes to keep the offense on schedule. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington will become even more crucial to the passing game, as Rudolph may look to target them frequently on quick routes over the middle.
In addition, the team will likely lean on their defense more than ever to win games. The Steelers’ defense, led by superstar linebacker T.J. Watt and cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, has been a top-tier unit in 2024, ranking in the top 5 in both total defense and scoring defense. For the Steelers to remain competitive without Fields, their defense will need to continue dominating, generating turnovers, and setting up the offense with short fields.
Mike Tomlin, known for his leadership and ability to adjust to adversity, will play a key role in keeping the team focused and on track during this stretch. His ability to get the most out of his players, regardless of circumstance, will be critical as the team navigates these next three weeks without their starting quarterback.
What’s at Stake for the Steelers?
The timing of Justin Fields’ injury could not be worse for the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 5-3, the Steelers are in the thick of the AFC playoff race, sitting just a game behind the division-leading Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. With matchups against the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans in the next three weeks, the Steelers’ playoff hopes could hang in the balance depending on how they fare without Fields.
A 3-0 record in these games would solidify the Steelers’ playoff chances and keep them in contention for the AFC North crown. However, a losing record could severely damage their playoff hopes, particularly with the tight race in the AFC. The next three games are crucial, and the Steelers will need to find a way to stay competitive in a highly competitive conference.
Additionally, Rudolph’s performance over the next three weeks will have implications for his future with the team. While it’s unlikely that he’ll replace Fields long-term, Rudolph’s play during this stretch could position him as a more desirable backup quarterback for the Steelers—or another team—moving forward.
Looking Ahead: The Return of Justin Fields
While the injury to Fields is undoubtedly a setback, the Steelers are optimistic that
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