Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed that he made the decision to bench quarterback Justin Fields for veteran Russell Wilson on his own.

Tomlin explained the choice during a conversation with Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.

“I was talking to Mike Tomlin about it last night and he said, ‘I went out there as a lone ranger.’ (Terry Bradshaw), you’re not the only one who was against this, there were a lot of people within that organization who were too,” Glazer further said Fox NFL Sunday.

“And he said, ‘look, if it doesn’t work out, I’ll take the heat, I’ll take the blame, no problem,’” Glazer added. “The reason I did this is I know there are two quarterbacks coming into camp who are very capable, but I wanted to see them both before making a long-term decision. Well, I haven’t seen the other one.” In any case, I want to see what I have of him, exhaust all options and then make a decision. I’m not trying to win matches, I’m trying to win a world title here which I have in both. ”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that Wilson will start Sunday against the New York Jets, with Fields also expected to get some playing time.

Both quarterbacks battled for the starting job during training camp. Wilson was initially named Pittsburgh’s Week 1 starter, but he ultimately missed the team’s first six games of the season after aggravating a calf injury.

Fields started in his place under center and led the Steelers to a 4-2 record. He completed 66.3 percent of his throws for 1,106 yards in six appearances, throwing five touchdowns compared to just one interception.

The former Chicago Bears quarterback also made plays with his legs, adding another 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

Tomlin’s decision was not met with unanimous approval, as The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Saturday that questions were being asked “league-wide” about his choice to start Wilson.

The quarterback change does not appear to be permanent, with Tomlin telling Glazer he wants to evaluate both players. It’s worth noting that Wilson is coming off an impressive 2023 campaign despite leading the Denver Broncos to a 7-8 record.

In 15 starts, the 35-year-old threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns while being picked off just eight times.

Wilson will have to overcome an imposing Jets secondary, as New York possesses the NFL’s second-best pass defense. Kickoff between the Steelers and Jets is on Sunday at 8:20 PM ET.