Will Justin Fields soon be playing returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers? At the beginning of May, running back Jaylen Warren caused a stir with statements in this regard. Now Fields himself has commented on it.

This news caused quite a stir in the NFL. At the beginning of May, running back Jaylen Warren reported on Cam Heyward’s podcast that the Pittsburgh Steelers were considering using quarterback Justin Fields as a kickoff returner.

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith reportedly expressed such thoughts to the team. The background to this is the new kickoff rules that will come into effect from the start of the season in September. These should lead to kickoffs being carried back more often, but the risk of injury should be lower.

Fields, who was traded from the Chicago Bears in the offseason, is one of the league’s strongest running quarterbacks. So is there really anything to these considerations? Now the newcomer himself has commented on it – and clarified that it was more or less a misunderstanding.

“I think everyone kind of misinterpreted it,” Fields told the Pittsburgh Post, explaining: “Coach Danny was basically just trying to get the message across that no matter who you are, you can play special teams. He was just using that as an example. “

It’s “funny how seriously social media takes everything. I thought it was kind of funny when everyone made a big deal out of it for no reason,” Fields added again.

In his three years in Chicago, the quarterback ran for 14 touchdowns, but he has never been used as a returner, not even in college. It seems doubtful that this will change with the Steelers. Or does it?

“You never know. Maybe he’ll come up with something. We’ll see,” said Fields with a wink at Coach Smith. However, he added: “No, I’m not here for that. It was just a joke. “

Justin Fields in a duel with Russell Wilson

Instead, the 25-year-old will try to secure his spot as the Steelers’ starting quarterback. To do so, he’ll have to prevail in a one-on-one battle with veteran Russell Wilson, whose misunderstanding with the Denver Broncos ended after last season.

“I’m taking it day by day,” Fields said last week. “I’m definitely in contention. I think he knows we compete every day. Him being there for me helps me get better, and especially each other. I definitely don’t have the mindset that I’m just going to sit all year,” Fields clarified.