Some people believed it was never truly a competition, but Russell Wilson edged out Justin Fields to win the starting quarterback job in Pittsburgh. Fields was able to gain some traction while Wilson was sidelined with a calf injury, but Wilson ultimately returned to the practice field and got the nod from Mike Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff.
Wilson may have won the quarterback battle, but he may not be the quarterback who takes the first snap of the 2024 season for the Steelers. His calf injury has flared up in practice this week, bringing his Week 1 availability into question.
Check back here frequently, we’ll be providing consistent updates as the situation in Pittsburgh develops.
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Is Russell Wilson playing in Week 1?
Russell Wilson’s preseason calf injury has seemingly lingered into the regular season. He has logged two limited practices this week and is officially listed as questionable for the Steelers’ regular-season opener against the Falcons.
Wilson traveled with the team to Atlanta, but NFL insider Dianna Russini has reported that Wilson is not expected to take the field in Week 1. We’ll have to wait for official confirmation from the team, but the expectation from Russini and other NFL insiders is that Justin Fields will be under center on Sunday.
WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL ADVICE
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Justin Fields Week 1 Outlook: Potential fantasy sleeper
Now that Wilson seems likely to miss Week 1, Justin Fields enters the fray as a potential sleeper at quarterback in fantasy leagues. There are legitimate questions about Fields’ ability to be an NFL quarterback, but he is a fantasy darling. Fields is coming off a year in which he was the QB9 in PPG and went for at least 24 fantasy points in three of his final five games.
In a new offensive system with limited weapons, it’s hard to feel comfortable starting Fields this week. However, he’s the type of quarterback whose week can be saved by one long run or a trip to the end zone. It’s risky, but Fields is a high-upside play who can be started in deep leagues or by teams who need a jolt after facing Saquon Barkley or Jayden Reed on Friday night.