Fight Breaks Out At Steelers Training Camp, O-Line Protects Justin Fields

A fight broke out during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ sixth day of training camp Wednesday. During a drill, linebacker Elandon Roberts reportedly hit quarterback Justin Fields late, provoking several offensive linemen into a dispute.

With Russell Wilson already nursing a minor injury, the Steelers’ offensive line likely feels even more pressure to protect its quarterbacks as they vie for starting status in 2024. After practice, Roberts admitted that the offense did the right thing after his late hit.

“It was just a little tap, but the offense did what they were supposed to do,” Roberts said. “You’re always supposed to protect your quarterback. I think it’s a really good thing you even see the mentality of the offense, man, protecting the quarterback. Imma stay away from the quarterback.”

Though Wilson was supposed to take starting reps in training camp, his delayed start due to a calf strain has allowed Fields to take a more prominent role. Early reports suggest that the Steelers are impressed by Fields’ progression, which could lead to a very difficult decision for the team next month.

Fields and Wilson are both exiting disappointing stints elsewhere, though they are at near opposite ends of an NFL career. Wilson, the veteran Super Bowl winner, struggled immensely in two seasons with the Broncos despite earning one of the league’s biggest contracts. At age 35, this chance in Pittsburgh may be his last.

Fields, on the other hand, began his career with the Chicago Bears three seasons ago, where the 25-year-old showed flashes of potential on one of the worst teams in the league. Nearing a completed rebuild this coming season, Chicago chose to move on from Fields and took USC star Caleb Williams with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It was always unclear how much Fields contributed to the Bears’ most recent stretch of losing seasons, as the offense would have been hapless with nearly anyone under center.

Still, Fields’ abrupt exit from the team just as it was beginning to build steam has made him a sympathetic figure for many fans who believe he deserves another shot. At the very least, he has earned the loyalty of his new offensive line in Pittsburgh. His progress from here, however, remains unclear.

Article by Patrick Moquin