"Im a really big believer that everything happens for a reason," Justin Fields told me this week. "I'm in this position, I'm here for a reason."

You have to go back to 2018, his only season at Georgia, to find a time in which Fields wasn't the No. 1 guy. He was the man for two years at Ohio State, then he started 38 games in three seasons with the Bears. Being a guy that's not doing much else other than being a traditional backup quarterback is unfamiliar terrain.

Being in this position comes after starting the first six games of the season, in which Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record. He had posted a career-best 93.3 passer rating and scored 10 total touchdowns and only thrown one interception. It's not like he was playing poorly and Mike Tomlin switched to Russell Wilson because the quarterback play was terrible.

Fields could have grown bitter. But, he's a big believer that everything happens for a reason. He believes Pittsburgh is where he's supposed to be in 2024. So, instead of growing bitter, he's embracing the role, trying to look at things from a different perspective than he's seen the game over the past several years. In turn, he's learned a lot of Wilson and Kyle Allen. But, he's also learned more about himself.

"My mindset every day is just me getting better, learning," Fields said. "You get a different perspective when you're on the sideline. I guess I've developed patience. I feel like I've had that for a long time, but maybe it's just teaching me more patience."

That patience could very well pay off, despite admitting to me that being a backup is harder than being a starter. But, as we've seen in recent seasons, a valuable backup quarterback could be very useful, maybe even save a season. It could pay off for the Steelers and Fields in case they need him to take the reins once again. Or, going about things the right way while also putting up good stats during his six starts could help him leverage his way into a starting role elsewhere when he becomes a free agent next March.

At just 25 years old, Fields could very well have a bright future ahead. His talent is off the charts. The more he learns, the better his chances are of realizing his full potential, which could very well be superstar level. For now, he's using the patience he's learned to keep his feet where they are meant to be, trusting that it will lead to brighter days ahead.

"You don't know when you're gonna get that chance or that opportunity to go in, or you don't know what could happen in a game," Fields said. "You have to prepare like you're the starter, you have to be ready. Of course, those games you don't go in, sometimes it feels like it all goes to waste, but it's not. You're still keeping that routine, that preparation. You're learning more football within it. I just try to look at the bigger picture, and I just try to get better each and every day. When I do get a chance to step on the field again, just make sure I'm better than I've ever been."

• Regarding George Pickens' injury, I'd expect the Steelers to take their time with bringing him back. Yes, the games ahead are crucial. But, the team is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth and is just one win over the Ravens away from the AFC North crown. I'm inclined to believe that Tomlin's logic with switching from Fields to Wilson applies here, as well. It's all about giving themselves their best chance of winning the Super Bowl. They need Pickens for the playoffs. They can't win without him.

All of that being said, I could see Pickens not returning until the season finale against the Bengals, if they even need starters for that game. Looking back at the hamstring injuries to Jaylen Warren, Nick Herbig and Fields, the team has been very conservative with how they've brought them back into the fold. I expect no shift here.

• If you're looking for any shred of optimism regarding Pickens, I saw him walking around the locker room this week, and he hardly walked like a guy with a hamstring injury. No discernible limp or anything. Now, walking around the locker room is a lot different than playing professional football. But, still worth noting.

• Really starting to become more pessimistic about Troy Fautanu or Cole Holcomb returning this season. It was a longshot for Fautanu, but still a chance in the playoffs. I'm not so sure of that now. Holcomb is at least working out on his own with team trainers, participating in some pretty physical workouts. But, there are only four games remaining. Time is simply running out.

• Same feeling with Roman Wilson. Just expect him to not return this season. Anything that changes in that regard should be welcomed as a pleasant surprise.

• I feel like the players are handling the Hard Knocks stuff pretty well. At least, for the most part. I've heard some grumblings here and there, but that's about it. It's not easy for them to have even more of their days exposed to the media, but it's hardly become a distraction in that room.

• The Steelers have a lot of internal contract situations to work through once the season comes to an end. It's too early for the team to actually engage in anything, but I'm inclined to believe Wilson will be the first contract they'll try to knock out. There are other pending free agents and potential contract extensions to do, but nothing's more pressing than quarterback. I expect that to be ironed out first, most likely before free agency begins.