Sunday update: The Steelers are expected to start Justin Fields for a second straight week, per Ian Rapoport. What’s more interesting in Rapoport’s report is that Mike Tomlin could go with the hot hand if Fields can help the Steelers get a win in Week 2. The Steelers are facing the Broncos in Denver on Sunday afternoon.
For a second consecutive week, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be without quarterback Russell Wilson. After missing Week 1 with a calf injury, Wilson has been listed as questionable, meaning that Justin Fields is in line to make another start according to Ian Rapoport.
The Steelers will once again monitor Wilson’s injury leading up to game time. However, on Friday, head coach Mike Tomlin said, “If his availability is questionable, then starting is less so.” Wilson was a limited participant in practice all week. The quarterback dressed during the Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but was available only in case of emergency. Pittsburgh will likely continue to play it smart with Wilson. Said Wilson this week, “You have to basically pretty much do everything. I’m getting there.”
In the case that Wilson is once again unable to start, the Steelers will be relying on Justin Fields. Fields went 17-for-23 for 156 yards. He also added 14 rushing attempts for 57 yards. While not an impressive stat line, Fields remained efficient and didn’t turn the ball over.
Russell Wilson injury status
Wilson will be listed as questionable heading into Sunday’s game in what was supposed to be his return to Denver to play the Broncos. While Wilson is getting closer to playing, he isn’t 100 percent and it appears the Steelers want to remain cautious with their starting quarterback. Wilson has been unable to practice fully since injuring his calf and was once again limited throughout the week. The quarterback’s status will be uncertain against the Broncos, but as it stands, it seems to be leaning more on the side of Wilson not playing.
What Russell Wilson injury means for fantasy football
Wilson is far from the fantasy relevant quarterback that he was earlier in his career with the Seattle Seahawks. However, there are some who will certainly have had him rostered in deeper leagues or two-quarterback leagues. The Broncos defense held up admirably against the pass last week, allowing Geno Smith to only 171 yards through the air and one touchdown.
Still, Fields could be worth a play as it will be his second consecutive start in the offense. Last week, Smith had four rushes for 30 yards and a touchdown. With Fields projected to get the start, he provides rushing upside that makes him worth starting. He will go into the week as a mid-range QB2, but his rushing upside gives him the potential to finish just outside the top-10 and he should be ranked higher than players like Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield.
The Steelers running backs didn’t benefit from the presence of Fields last week as Najee Harris only had 70 yards on 20 carries. In the passing game, George Pickens seemed to be Fields’ favorite target. Pickens had six receptions and 85 receiving yards. Pat Friermuth could have some upside as well. The Steelers tight end only had 27 yards, but had four receptions.
Week 2 presents another opportunity for Fields to earn a grasp on the Steelers’ starting quarterback role. If Fields plays well and the Steelers once again come away with a win, it will be difficult for Tomlin to pull the athletic quarterback in favor of Wilson. At the very least, Fields is worth a stash moving forward given his upside.
