The NFL’s new kickoff rule will surely bring in more excitement and turmoil in the 2024 season. Teams are currently trying to implement a strategy to optimise their results on returning kicks and we can expect to see some creative solutions.
According to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, the organization is considering putting a quarterback on special teams duty. Justin Fields is one of the league’s top dual-threat quarterbacks and has the ability to impact a game with his legs. The Steelers are apparently considering using the 25-year-old to return kicks in the upcoming season.
“I would, I think it’s pretty cool — as soon as you touch the ball that’s when everything starts to happen,” said Warren per Pro Football Talk. “Our special teams coordinator was talking about Justin Fields being back there…We looked at him like, Justin Fields will be back there? I think it’s cool.”
Jaylen Warren says Steelers have discussed using Justin Fields on special teams 👀
(via Jaylen Warren, @NotJustFootball) pic.twitter.com/r9ee8fj0TL
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 2, 2024
The Steelers have Cordarrelle Patterson on the roster who will almost certainly be the primary kick returner. The new rules, however, will see two men lineup as kick returners with nine men on the receiving team situated between the 30 and 35 yard lines. The defensive team will have 10 players on the opposing team’s 40-yard line, per the new guidelines.
Fields was exceptional for the Bears when called on to run the ball. The versatile quarterback finished with 657 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in 2023.
With Russell Wilson set to start in the quarterback position for the Steelers, it will be interesting to see how the coaches use Fields to maximise his potential.
