Why is Justin Fields not playing tonight? Exploring Steelers QB's absence for Week 8 MNF clash vs. Giants

Justin Fields was stellar in his first six games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to a 4-2 record. However, he moved aside for Russell Wilson in Week 7 and has moved further back down, at least temporarily.

Just over an hour before Monday night's game against the New York Giants, the 11th overall pick of the 2021 draft was declared inactive because of a hamstring injury and will be the team's emergency QB3.

That means he may take the field only if Wilson and usual third-stringer Kyle Allen suffer injuries during the game.

Fox studio host Jay Glazer was the first to mention Fields' injury on Sunday, telling Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw:

"Doesn't think he's going to be able to go tomorrow night. He's not sure yet. Probably going to have to get an MRI after the game, so it's going to be all Russell Wilson. But this was a game that they're kind of hoping to use that two-headed quarterback duo out there, but not really going to be able to do it now because of the hamstring."

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Russell Wilson addresses replacing Justin Fields as Steelers QB1

The decision to replace Justin Fields with Russell Wilson has generated much controversy and backlash, given the fourth-year quarterback's decent exploits. However, the former Super Bowl champion insists that coach Mike Tomlin had been honest throughout the process.

Speaking on Rich Eisen's eponymous show last week, he said (skip to 4:30):

"I think the biggest thing is, first of all, the dialogue that we've had has been very open and very clear. And a big part of it too has been just being our best every day."

Meanwhile, a good number of Steelers players have said that they greatly appreciate Wilson's ability to heave "moon balls" downfield, his "strong suit," to quote offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, especially when compared to Fields' purported struggles in the same area. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III said:

"It helps any offense out and especially ours, just getting those big chunks. Going from your own 20 to the opponent's 20, you eliminate any bad that could happen within those 60 yards or whatever. You eliminate all errors just from that big chunk you gain."

The Steelers vs. Giants game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC.