Could Justin Fields potentially serve as both the Steelers’ backup quarterback and their secondary kickoff returner?
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren thinks it’s a possibility.
On the same day that the NFL introduced a new kickoff rule, the Steelers secured one of the league’s top return specialists, Cordarrelle Patterson, clearly setting him up as their primary option for kickoff returns. However, teams will position two returners deep, and Fields could very well be the second.
During an appearance on teammate Cam Heyward’s podcast, when asked if he’d like to take on kickoff return duties, Warren expressed enthusiasm and then disclosed that Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith is considering trying out Fields in that role.
“I think it’s pretty cool — as soon as you touch the ball, that’s when everything starts happening,” Warren commented. “Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there… We were like, Justin Fields will be back there? I think it’s cool.”
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Warren noted that Fields might be the fastest player on the Steelers, and with 2,220 rushing yards over his three-year NFL career, he certainly has the ability to make impactful plays.
While Fields aims to be a starting quarterback and returning kickoffs doesn’t directly enhance his prospects in that role, with Russell Wilson starting, kickoff returns might offer Fields valuable playing time. As NFL teams adapt to the new kickoff rule, utilizing Fields in this way could represent innovative thinking.
