George Pickens accidentally reveals the Steelers’ starting quarterback

Had Mike Tomlin had his way, the Jets would have gone into the weekend not knowing whether they would be dealing with Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, or both.

But Steelers tight end George Pickens might have ruined Tomlin’s attempt at a quarterback.

After Tomlin told reporters Friday that he had settled on a starting quarterback but wanted to keep his call “in house,” Pickens revealed he had worked with Wilson more around practice since it would be “his first start “.

Wilson took first-team reps to start the week and appeared poised to step into the starting role, which he originally won out of training camp, after missing Pittsburgh’s first five games with a calf injury.

He was active in Week 6, but backed up Fields as he acclimated to the offense.

“I thought it was sharp,” Tomlin said Friday of Wilson. “I thought Justin was sharp as well. I thought we had a really productive week from both guys and the unit as a whole.”

The Steelers’ 4-2 record without Wilson, who signed in March after two disastrous campaigns with the Broncos, revived a semblance of quarterback controversy, even with Fields underwhelming (just 1,106 yards and five touchdowns) and forcing the other Pittsburgh units. to bring about victories. When Tomlin didn’t commit to the eight-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion with the Seahawks or the No. 11 pick in 2021 earlier in the week, it forced the Jets to prepare for both.

Still, outside of Fields struggling more and with extra designed runs that “aren’t necessarily Russell’s strong suit,” head coach Jeff Ulbrich didn’t expect substantial differences and thought the Jets “have answers either way.”

“(Offensive coordinator) Arthur Smith, his passing game is very conducive to an athletic quarterback, as we’ve seen over the years from (Ryan) Tannehill to all the guys he’s had,” Ulbrich said Wednesday. “So from that standpoint, I don’t see much change.”

Ulbrich confirmed that WR Davante Adams will play fully Sunday after the Jets acquired him from the Raiders on Tuesday.

He did not carry a designation on the final injury report after a full practice Friday, though he missed Vegas’ previous three games before the trade.

“We didn’t know what to expect with him coming here,” Ulbrich said. “Obviously he had been on the injury report with the hamstring, so we had to do an assessment once he got here and he’s looked great. … Obviously, there’s not as much of a learning curve as a guy would have Typical. For one, he’s experienced. For two, he’s familiar with this offense. And for three, his relationship with Aaron (Rodgers) is obviously next level.”

Ulbrich ruled out CB Michael Carter II (back). … CB DJ Reed (groin) will be a game decision. … TE Tyler Conklin (hip) was a full participant and listed as questionable, along with LB Chazz Surratt (heel). … Adams (hamstring), Rodgers (ankle), Will McDonald IV (shoulder), Mike Williams (staff), Tyron Smith (rest) and Morgan Moses (knee) were all full participants Friday and did not carry a status