### George Pickens May Have Derailed Mike Tomlin's Quarterback Plans

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin aimed to keep the New York Jets guessing about whether they'd face Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, or both in their upcoming matchup. However, wide receiver George Pickens might have unintentionally foiled those plans. While Tomlin had stated on Friday that he had chosen a starting quarterback but preferred to keep the decision "in-house," Pickens disclosed that he had been practicing more with Wilson, indicating that it would be Wilson's first start.

Wilson, who had taken first-team reps to kick off the week, was expected to step back into the starting role, a position he initially secured during training camp. He had missed the Steelers' first five games due to a calf injury and was active as a backup in Week 6 to get familiarized with the offense. Reflecting on the week, Tomlin mentioned, “I thought he was sharp,” adding that Fields had also performed well. "I thought we had a highly productive week from both guys and from the unit as a whole."

The Steelers have managed to achieve a 4-2 record despite Wilson's absence, which reignited discussions about the quarterback position. Fields has underperformed, accumulating just 1,106 passing yards and five touchdowns, thus requiring other units to step up to secure victories. Tomlin’s reluctance to commit to either Wilson, the eight-time Pro Bowler, and Super Bowl champion, or Fields, the 2021 No. 11 pick, kept the Jets preparing for both players.

Jets head coach Jeff Ulbrich noted that the team didn't anticipate substantial differences between facing Fields or Wilson, aside from Fields' tendency to scramble more and the designed runs tailored to him. “[Offensive coordinator] Arthur Smith’s passing game is very conducive to an athletic quarterback,” Ulbrich observed.

The Jets announced that wide receiver Davante Adams, recently acquired from the Raiders, will be fully available for Sunday’s game. Although Adams had missed the last three games with the Raiders due to a hamstring injury, he did not carry a designation on the final injury report after participating fully in practice on Friday. “He’s looked fantastic,” Ulbrich stated, acknowledging Adams’ quick adjustment to the team.

Meanwhile, key defensive player CB Michael Carter II is ruled out due to a back injury, and CB D.J. Reed will be a game-time decision because of a groin issue. TE Tyler Conklin was a full participant in practice but is listed as questionable with a hip injury, along with LB Chazz Surratt who is dealing with a heel problem. Other players like QB Aaron Rodgers and WR Will McDonald IV practiced fully and are set to play.

In summary, an inadvertent revelation by George Pickens might have disrupted Mike Tomlin’s strategy to keep the Jets uncertain about their quarterback challenge, setting the stage for a compelling game that now includes a fully fit Davante Adams and other key players for the Jets.