The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to play the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday but will be without former Chicago Bears' starting quarterback Justin Fields.
Fields suffered an abdominal injury against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday and has officially been ruled out for Saturday's game.
While Fields opened the season as the Steelers quarterback, Russell Wilson was named the team's starting quarterback when he was deemed fully healthy from the calf injury he suffered during the preseason. Wilson may have been the Steelers' starting quarterback for much of the past two months, but Fields was still featured in Pittsburgh's offense--often being used for quarterback-keeper option plays.
Fields' usage with the Steelers this season was relevant for the Bears considering the conditions of the trade this past offseason. If Fields appeared in over 51% of the Steelers' offensive snaps this season, the Bears would receive a 2025 fourth-round pick.
However, with the injury and being ruled out of Saturday's game, it's confirmed that Fields will be appearing in under 51% of the Steelers' offensive snaps this season. This means that the Bears will be receiving a sixth-round pick from the Steelers.
With Fields missing this week's game, it closes the book on the conditions for the 4th round pick for the Chicago Bears.
— Bill Zimmerman (@BillTZimmerman) December 20, 2024
Justin Fields cannot play in at least 51% of the snaps for the Steelers this year.
The Bears compensation for the Fields trade will be a 6th round pick. https://t.co/70SLIk3huo
Justin Fields' trade conditions determined.
Fields is in an interesting spot when it comes to his status this offseason. During his time as the Steelers' starting quarterback, Fields proved capable of playing winning football. The Steelers opened the season with a record of 4-2 while Fields was their starting quarterback. The catch is that the Steelers' passing offense was handcuffed for much of the same reasons why the Bears moved on from Fields after the 2023 season.
Given the success that Wilson has had this season, conventional wisdom would suggest that the Steelers will look to bring the veteran back next season. Fields, after the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, will be a free agent in March.
Assuming the Steelers find a way to bring Wilson back, Fields could be an intriguing option for teams in need of a bridge quarterback next season.