The 2024 regular season is rolling into Week 5. The next week of preparation for the Steelers as they face the Dallas Cowboys in prime time is underway with head coach Mike Tomlin taking to the podium to address in the media for our beloved Tomlin Tuesday. With plenty of questions asked by those in attendance, it is once again time for a players mentioned article. Remember these are players where a specific question was asked during the Q&A period.

Justin Fields & Russell Wilson

Coach Tomlin was asked if he learned anything more about Justin Fields that he didn’t already know.

“As I’ve mentioned again, I’ve speculated about some things I’ve seen from him [Justin Fields]. There’s some components of his football and competitive personality that are really likable and I talked about him last week, but I just think when you’re in those moments and you get an opportunity to show who you are in those moments, there’s less speculation. And so some things that I was speculating about somewhat last week, about his steady demeanor, about his competes and so forth, just got solidified and verified with the challenges that we faced last week.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if he’s preparing for Justin Fields to start on Sunday.

“Yes, I am.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if Fields performance allows him to be more cautious about when they bring Russell Wilson back from injury.

“It potentially could, but it has not to this point. The guiding factor for us in this point is the amount of ball that we have in front of us, how early we’re in in this process. That’s probably been one of the significant variables in terms of our approach to his rehabilitation.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if the injured nature of the offensive line plays a factor in having Justin Fields at quarterback.

“It depends on what the work week looks like. It depends on what we’re forecasting in terms of pressure from Dallas. Those are variables that could weigh into that, but I’d be speculating to comment on it at this early stage of planning and development in the week.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if Fields play is getting to a point where the health of Russell Wilson is immaterial.

“There’s a potential for that, but we’re not there as I stand here today.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if there is anything else Justin Fields can do while Russell Wilson is injured.

“Play well. Win. That’s our business.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about Fields responding with multiple scoring drives after committing a turnover the last two games.

“You know, that’s what I expect competitors to do, and that’s what I was talking about the other week when I when I sensed the competitors trait in him. Not surprised by that. I expect that to continue. Certainly want to minimize the negativity, but it’s just a component of competing at this level. How you respond to adversity defines you, individually and collectively.”

Coach Tomlin was asked what he learned about Justin Fields that he didn’t already know before.

“I think I’ve expressed it in a variety of ways. I’d be making it up if I just continue to answer rephrased questions. It’s just more confirmation of what has been somewhat speculative.”

Spencer Anderson, Mason McCormick, & Isaac Seumalo

Coach Tomlin was asked about handling injuries on the offensive line, and in his response he mentioned Spencer Anderson and Mason McCormick.

“You know, you handle that with quality depth, and thankfully, that’s something that we have. We’ve invested a lot the last several off seasons in terms of acquiring young, talented people. They’re capable, and they’re going to get an opportunity to show that. Guys like Spence[Anderson] and Mason McCormick have done a real nice job, and we expect that to continue.”

Coach Tomlin was asked about his assessment of McCormick getting his first start and the play of Anderson.

“Double thumbs up on both guys. But again, I’m not surprised by it. Both guys have shown maturity beyond their years in this developmental process and play to boot. And thankfully, I expect that to continue.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if Isaac Seumalo returns this week, will there be a rotation at the other guard spot between McCrormick and Anderson.

“I think that will be determined with the quality of play in terms of how we distribute reps during the course of the week, I’m open to it. I’m also open to playing one guy exclusively, if they distinguish themselves.”

Cordarrelle Patterson

Coach Tomlin was asked if there was something Cordarrelle Patterson was doing differently running the ball before he got hurt.

“He was playing extremely well, but we’re not surprised by that. He’s a dynamic guy. We’re excited about continually including him in what we do.”

Chris Boswell

Coach Tomlin was asked about the decision between letting Chris Boswell kick a long field goal or letting game circumstances dictate their decision.

“You know, there’s always other game circumstances in that decision. ‘Boz’s’ [Chris Boswell’s] leg alone is never the singular component of the discussion. ‘Boz’ has got a lot of leg man, anything under 60[yards], I feel good about if you’re just talking about him. The myriad of game circumstances, that’s moving variables that change in every instance.”

Coach Tomlin was asked if he seen Boswell‘s leg strength grow since he got the Pittsburgh.

“I don’t know if it was legs strength was ever in question. He’s just highly accurate to boot, and that’s probably the guiding
factor in terms of our long ball aggression more recently. But I never viewed him as a guy that was deficient in terms of leg
strength.”

Calvin Austin & Pat Freiermuth

Coach Tomlin was asked about what the wide receiver room needs to do to spread the ball around more, and in his response he mentioned Calvin Austin and Pat Freiermuth.

“You know, I’m not discouraged by how we’re distributing the ball at all. All the guys have had their moments. A couple weeks ago, Calvin [Austin III] had a big day. You know, ‘Muth’ [Pat Freiermuth] has been a major contributor just about in every game, and so I’m not overly concerned with how we’re distributing the ball or view it as an issue at this juncture.”

Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, & Cole Holcomb

Coach Tomlin was asked about the evaluation of Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson at inside linebacker, and in his response he mentioned Cole Holcomb.

“I think it’s been solid. I like the division of labor in particular as we infuse new guys in, figuring out what their skill set is, how they communicate what they do well in specific to the two guys that you mentioned. But I’m comfortable with the way things are trending from that positional group. But obviously a guy like Cole Holcomb, man, you get him back in the mix, that’s not going to do anything but help us.”

Jaylen Warren

Coach Tomlin was asked if Jaylen Warren‘s knee injury is connected to his earlier hamstring injury or if it is separate.

“Separate.”

Mike Tomlin’s complete press conference can be seen here:

Coach Tomlin speaks to the media ahead of our Week 5 game against the Cowboys. @PNCBank

📺: #DALvsPIT 10/6 at 8:20 PM ET on NBC https://t.co/IJWv1968wW

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 1, 2024