Quarterbacks Wilson and Fields each lead in touchdowns in final preseason game as Lions beat Steelers 24-17 | News, Sports, Jobs

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) rushes during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Detroit Lions, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

DETROIT – Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is not ready to say who will be his starting quarterback at the beginning of the season.

Russell Wilson and Justin Fields led touchdown drives for the Steelers, who lost 24-17 to the Detroit Lions on Saturday in the final preseason game between the two teams.

Jermar Jefferson ran for two touchdowns for the Lions, including a 7-yard run in the fourth quarter that gave them the lead.

“It didn’t start well, but we finished the game strong,” Said Detroit coach Dan Campbell.

Tomlin has repeatedly said that Wilson in the “Pole Position” for the starting spot, and the 35-year-old veteran has done nothing in Detroit to suggest he won’t take the first snap when the season begins in two weeks. But Tomlin wouldn’t budge.

“We will make a decision at the end of our working week,” he said.

Wilson completed both of his pass attempts, including a 32-yard toss to George Pickens. Two plays later, Cordarrelle Patterson scored a touchdown on a 31-yard run to cap the game’s opening possession.

Wilson spent the rest of the game on the sidelines while Fields got three drives to show what he could do. His performance was inconsistent.

Fields converted a third down attempt with a run and threw a 22-yard pass to MyCole Pruitt on two consecutive plays, setting up La’Mical Perine’s 1-yard touchdown run.

In the last two preseason games, neither Wilson nor Fields led Pittsburgh to a touchdown.

“We had a really great training camp and OTAs and finally got it on the field,” said Wilson.

Fields’ second possession ended when he was facing right in the shotgun formation when the ball was snapped. He recovered the fumble but was sacked. His third possession ended when he took another sack.

Fields finished 3 of 4 for 40 yards and ran twice for 4 yards.

The Steelers decided to start over at the quarterback position this season after Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky each started for a team that finished 10-7 and lost to Buffalo in an AFC wild-card game.

Just days later, Pittsburgh signed Wilson in March after he was released by Denver and acquired Fields in a trade with Chicago.

The reigning NFC North champion Lions, meanwhile, did not send quarterback Jared Goff or other key players to the field in hopes of keeping them healthy for a season with high expectations. After the game, Campbell said All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell was “Good” after leaving training earlier this week due to a foot injury.

Hendon Hooker started at quarterback and was sacked on three consecutive snaps after completing his first two passes. He played a lot and gained much-needed experience after missing his rookie year with a knee injury.

“There were ups and downs, but ultimately he got better and he needed that,” said Campbell.

Hooker helped the Lions score touchdowns on their final two drives of the first half.

He threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jake Funk and then used his arms and legs to set up Jefferson’s first touchdown run.

Hooker completed 12 of 20 passes for 114 yards, scored a touchdown and threw an interception to former Detroit defensive back Cam Sutton, who got some work in before serving his eight-game suspension for violating the NFL’s code of conduct.

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Detroit opens the season at home on Sept. 8 with a Sunday night game against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, nearly eight months after the Lions defeated the Rams for their first playoff victory in 32 years.

The Steelers open their season on September 8 in Atlanta.