Game day update: The Steelers will examine Russell Wilson’s calf later Sunday morning, but the current expectation is Justin Fields gets the start against the Falcons, per Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Wilson told beat writer Brooke Pryor that he would test the calf during pre-game warmups and would get lots of treatment in an effort to be available.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could be relying on quarterback Justin Fields sooner than originally thought after the final injury report for Week 1 was released on Friday. While everything was looking ready for Russell Wilson to make his first start, the Steelers starting quarterback aggravated a calf injury on Thursday.
Russell Wilson injury status
Wilson will head into the weekend listed as questionable for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. It looks to be the same calf injury that Wilson suffered early in training camp. He was limited on Friday and suffering an injury late in the week has put serious question for his status on Sunday. Right now, Wilson’s status against the Falcons truly looks to be uncertain.
What Russell Wilson injury means for fantasy football
While not many will have Wilson rostered in fantasy football outside of deeper leagues or Super Flex formats, there was some opportunity against the Falcons. Wilson could have been a good play for owners streaming at quarterback against a defense that’s projected to struggle.
With that said, Justin Fields could provide a boost to the Steelers offense. Fields presents a quarterback with running upside in a run-friendly offense that is called by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Fields rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2022 and had 657 rushing yards in 13 starts last season. The Falcons defense allowed the second most rushing touchdowns to quarterbacks last year.
If Fields were to get the start, it shouldn’t have too much of an impact on wide receivers like George Pickens. At this point in Wilson’s career, he doesn’t provide that much of a difference over Fields from a passing standpoint. With Fields being a threat in the running game, that may take away touchdown opportunity from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
Not many will be relying on the Steelers offense in fantasy football in 2024. However, whether or not Wilson plays will certainly be something to keep an eye on. Depending on what the quarterback situation looks like in certain leagues, Fields could be worth a play and at least rostering if he performs well and steals the starting role.
