Steelers coach Mike Tomlin knows 2-0 is significant, but the Los Angeles Chargers show up for Pittsburgh’s home opener with the same record.
“They’ve taken the ball away. They play to a definitive personality, one that I am familiar with,” Tomlin said on Tuesday. “Familiar with (offensive coordinator) Greg (Roman). I would imagine he doesn’t care we’re familiar with his mode of operation. That’s what makes him one of the best in the business.”
While Roman is working under Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh to prepare hobbled quarterback Justin Herbert, Tomlin pointed to sticking with Justin Fields at the controls of the Pittsburgh offense as Russell Wilson remains unlikely to practice on Wednesday.
“As I sit here today, Russ is not scheduled to be a full participant in practice,” Tomlin said. “We’ll follow Russ throughout the week. We are readying ourselves around Justin. And we’ll stay in that mindset until something happens. Hypotheticals is a waste of time. We’ll stay in that mindset.”
Tomlin praised Fields desire to compete and steadiness in various environments.
But while pointing out the road environment caused a “thoughtful” approach to throwing the ball downfield and avoiding risks, Tomlin wouldn’t answer whether Fields has done enough to nail down the starting job when Wilson is cleared.
“I’m focused on the next task. Until Russell gets to a state of readiness where he’s a consideration, I won’t speculate in any way,” Tomlin said. “I’ve stated where we are. My position regarding the pecking order and the depth chart hasn’t changed, and it won’t, until the other guy is ready. I don’t speculate. I don’t know how many ways I can say this.”
Tomlin praised both quarterbacks: Wilson for his professionalism and modeling leadership for younger players during a time of adversity and Fields for being an all-out competitor who enters a fight with his fists fully loaded.
He said the decision at quarterback could be revisited when and if Wilson is healthy, who isn’t yet cleared to be a full participant in practice.
A division rival of the Ravens and Harbaugh’s brother, John, the Steelers also are preparing for former Baltimore running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. They’re now the 1-2 punch for Roman and the engine of the Chargers’ running game averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Los Angeles has 395 rushing yards in two games.
The Chargers also employ a defensive coordinator familiar to Tomlin in Jesse Minter; Tomlin worked with Minter’s dad, Rick Minter, at University of Cincinnati.
Tomlin said left guard Isaac Seumalo “might be closer to return” if he can participate in practice this week. He missed the first two games with a pectoral injury.
