Pittsburgh Steelers lose QB before Ravens game

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without their backup quarterback and a key member of their offense in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. After suffering an abdominal injury in the Week 15 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Justin Fields is out for the team’s AFC North sweep, which could give Pittsburgh the division title.

Fields was unable to practice all week, so there was concern about the severity of the injury. It’s not known exactly what happened against Philadelphia or how long he’s expected to be out at this point. He will neither play against Baltimore nor be the emergency quarterback for the time being.

Fields was expected to play an increasing role with George Pickens sidelined, using his speed and athleticism that Pittsburgh had in the playbook all season to try to fill the star wideout void. But after exiting the game following his first stint in Philly, the Steelers will now look for other options.

Without Fields, Kyle Allen will be Russell Wilson’s replacement going forward. It’s unknown who would be the emergency quarterback if needed, but Scotty Miller’s versatility might be the easiest guess on the roster.

The Steelers will travel home from Baltimore to host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas, but only have four days to do so. Chances are they’ll only be holding walk-throughs to prepare for the Chiefs, so Field’s chances of playing in Week 17 are slim. From there they host the Cincinnati Bengals at the end of the regular season.

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