Any uncertainty about the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback was put to rest when head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the topic. Asked Tuesday if Russell Wilson would be leading the team into their Week 8 matchup against the New York Giants, Tomlin responded with a smile and a lighthearted reply: “He’s scheduled to take first-team reps tomorrow, and we’ll see where that leads us.”

Throughout the season, Tomlin has fielded constant questions about his quarterbacks, including Wilson’s health and whether Justin Fields would keep the starting role. Now, even after Wilson’s stellar performance in the Steelers’ decisive Week 7 win over the Jets, the speculation continues.

Although Tomlin didn’t explicitly confirm Wilson as the starter, it’s clear he’s locked in, with the situation now being an unspoken certainty. In his first regular-season start for the Steelers, the 35-year-old quarterback led them to their highest point total in a game since 2021, breaking franchise records and igniting an offensive surge the team hadn’t seen in a long time.

The decision to start Wilson against the Jets, over Fields, was initially questioned, especially considering Fields had shown flashes of franchise-caliber talent over the first six games, leading the team to a solid 4-2 record. Meanwhile, Wilson hadn’t seen in-game action since preseason due to a lingering calf injury. But when he was finally healthy, Tomlin stood by him—and the choice paid off.

Fields is certainly capable of leading the Steelers’ offense, but after Wilson’s Sunday night showcase, the team isn’t looking back. Wilson has firmly established himself as the starter, and if he keeps up this level of play, there’s no telling what heights the Steelers might reach.