**Steelers to Start Russell Wilson Against Jets, Bench Justin Fields**

The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a significant quarterback change ahead of their Sunday night game against the New York Jets. Despite Justin Fields leading the team to a 4-2 record in the first six games this season, the Steelers have decided to start Russell Wilson. The news of this switch, initially reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, was confirmed on Saturday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin had previously indicated he was still weighing his options, but the team has now decided to proceed with Wilson, who is finally fit after dealing with a calf injury that sidelined him for the first half-dozen games of the season. While Wilson is expected to handle the bulk of the snaps, Fields will also see some playtime.

This move is historic, as it marks the first time in the Super Bowl era that a starting quarterback leading his team to a 4-2 record or better has not started his team’s subsequent game without being injured, according to NFL Research. Fields has had a solid, if not spectacular start to the season, throwing five touchdowns against one interception and rushing for five more scores, making him a favorite among his teammates. However, the Steelers’ overall offensive performance ranks low, particularly in passing yards, where they are 28th.

Wilson, 35, comes to the starting role with considerable experience and a strong track record. Injuries had kept him from playing earlier, but he was listed as the team’s primary QB during training camp. Wilson won a Super Bowl and earned nine Pro Bowl selections during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks before moving to the Denver Broncos in 2022. His stint in Denver was less than stellar, culminating in being benched for the final games of each season. The Broncos released him this past offseason, leading to his acquisition by Pittsburgh.

The matchup against the Jets promises to be captivating. The Jets are on a three-game losing streak, bringing a 2-4 record into the game, while the Steelers have similarly struggled, losing two of their last three games. New York will feature Aaron Rodgers, reuniting with Davante Adams following a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. This game will also be the eighth career matchup between Wilson and Rodgers, with Rodgers holding a slim 4-3 advantage from their previous encounters when both played for different teams.

Wilson has a history of performing well against the Jets, holding a 3-1 record with 11 touchdowns and just one interception in past matchups. However, he lost his most recent game against New York while with the Broncos last season. Now, with both veteran quarterbacks in new uniforms, the game is set to be a thrilling showdown.