The Steelers suffer their first loss as Justin Fields-led comeback fails against the struggling Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers finally had a chance to equalize or take the lead for good.

After almost 45 minutes with at least a touchdown behind, Justin Fields and Co. were at the start with 1:43 minutes left, a field goal away from the Indianapolis Colts’ tie.

Then Fields looked to his right and the blast hit him in his facemask. The quarterback recovered, but the Steelers couldn’t overcome second-and-21.

A second half in which they were running at full speed suddenly faded away.

The Colts improved to 2-2 with the 27-24 win, while the Steelers ended their unbeaten streak but remained atop the AFC North at 3-1.

Indianapolis lost key playmakers throughout the game: quarterback Anthony Richardson left in the first quarter with a hip injury and running back Jonathan Taylor struggled with an ankle injury.

But backup quarterback Joe Flacco completed 16 of 26 pass attempts for 168 yards, two touchdowns and no errors.

On a day where the Steelers lost three fumbles and turned the ball over twice more on downs, that was the difference.

Pittsburgh’s defense struggled to adjust to the veteran quarterback, who continued to find the right man on third down after preparing for Richardson, who had far more boom-and-bust.

Fields alternated between downfield passes and elusive runs to close the gap in the second half, ultimately going 22 of 34 for 312 yards and a touchdown in addition to 55 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries.

Receiver George Pickens was Fields’ favorite target, catching seven of 11 attempts for 113 yards.

Fields has now started four games for Pittsburgh while Russell Wilson recovers from an aggravating calf injury. The Steelers host the Dallas Cowboys next week on Sunday Night Football.

Richardson’s injury is the latest after a concussion and shoulder injury limited him to just four games in his rookie year.