Pittsburgh Steelers RB back Justin Fields

While Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields was making things difficult for himself as he was about to lose the starting job to Russell Wilson, running back Najee Harris stood behind him and made sure his contributions didn’t go unnoticed.

“I saw some comments where Justin said he wasn’t doing his best,” Harris said. “I think he did his very best. I think he did a very good job – and he shouldn’t – Well, I know he’s trying – but I’m just saying publicly that we’re all proud of him and Don’t be so hard on yourself We’ve got your back.

In his six starts on the season, Fields led the Steelers to a 4–2 record while throwing for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns and an interception, in addition to posting 231 yards and five scores on the ground.

He lost the quarterback battle after training camp and the preseason, but stepped up when Wilson re-aggravated a previous calf injury before the team’s Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Fields showed tremendous growth since his days with the Chicago Bears, proving he was a threat both in the pocket and on the road, but it wasn’t enough to convince Pittsburgh he would bring more to the offense than Wilson.

The team’s decision has apparently ruffled some feathers, and while Wilson is about as successful as they come, he still needs to demonstrate that he can operate successfully within the Steelers’ offense.

Harris explained that with Wilson at the helm, he will have to follow in the footsteps of what Fields has done so far for Pittsburgh to keep its good start.

“Since Russ is out there, I mean he has to do the same thing Justin did,” Harris said. “Justin has done a great job for us. This is the best start I’ve had in the years I’ve been here.’

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