Title: Late Hit on Justin Fields Causes Fight to Break Out at Steelers Training Camp
Originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
In an intense moment at the Steelers training camp on Wednesday, a late hit from linebacker Elandon Roberts on former Bears quarterback Justin Fields sparked a heated altercation among the team. The incident, which was captured on video, quickly escalated as players from Pittsburgh’s offense rallied around Fields, highlighting the protective nature of the team towards their quarterback.
Video of the Fight: A video circulating on social media shows the immediate aftermath of the hit, with players from both sides converging into a scrum. The footage, shared by Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) on Twitter, vividly captures the tension and the swift response from the offense to defend Fields.
Roberts' Post-Practice Comments: After the practice, Roberts downplayed the incident, describing his hit on Fields as "just a little tap." He emphasized the importance of protecting the quarterback, stating, "You’re always supposed to protect your quarterback. I think it's a really good thing you even see the mentality of the offense, man, protecting the quarterback. Imma stay away from the quarterback."
T.J. Watt's Perspective: T.J. Watt also commented on the fight, viewing it as a positive sign of team unity and readiness to defend each other. "You’re trying to figure out what everybody’s all about and to be able to see guys wanting to run to the fight and not run away from it is awesome to see," Watt told reporters.
Fields' Growing Role: The incident comes at a time when Fields has been receiving increased first-team reps with the Steelers, particularly since Russell Wilson's brief absence due to calf tightness. Although Wilson has since returned, Fields' performance in training camp has reportedly impressed the coaching staff, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Schefter's Analysis: Schefter highlighted that while Wilson remains the favored starter, Fields has certainly made an impact. "I think Russell Wilson remains in the pole position, but I also think that Justin Fields has opened some eyes, and they see the type of offense they could have," Schefter said on ESPN. "And we know how this staff has thought about Justin Fields in the past. And he has gotten better every day at practice, as it has been told to me."
Conclusion: The late hit and subsequent fight at the Steelers training camp underscore the competitive spirit and protective instincts within the team. As Fields continues to make strides in his development, the dynamics between him and Wilson will be closely monitored, adding an intriguing layer to the Steelers' preseason preparations.
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