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Russell Wilson got a lease on his NFL life after the Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a one-year veteran minimum deal. He's amenable to that deal because he's getting guaranteed money this year courtesy of his previous contract with the Denver Broncos.
However, Wilson has not already secured the starting role because Justin Fields is pushing him to do so. Now that the one-time Super Bowl champion is injured, Fields might do enough to convince Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin that he's the better option.
The big question is whether Wilson will be out long enough to miss some regular-season games. His injury's timing is crucial because it comes so close to their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
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What Injury Is Russell Wilson Dealing With?
Multiple news sources confirm that Wilson is dealing with a calf injury he incurred during a Steelers' conditioning test. However, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that there's a chance that the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback could be cleared to practice this week.
There is optimism that Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) could be cleared to practice this week, per @TomPelissero https://t.co/7X7YvF6GuG pic.twitter.com/dzaaHY8xfi
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 4, 2024
According to Sports Illustrated's Noah Strackbein, Wilson has taken minimal snaps during team scrimmages. However, insiders feel he has a slight edge over Fields for the Steelers starting quarterback position.
Russell Wilson Fantasy Football Outlook
While Wilson has the edge over Fields, Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might be intrigued by what the dual-threat quarterback from Ohio State could bring to the table. If the Steelers go with Fields, Wilson's fantasy football prospects this season will be watered down for at least the first few weeks.
However, if Tomlin and Smith go with Wilson, the veteran quarterback could do damage with George Pickens and Roman Wilson (when healthy) in the deep passing game.
That said, there are far better options at QB1 than Russell Wilson this year. RotoBaller projects Wilson to finish the 2024 NFL regular season with 3,460 yards and 24 touchdowns, ranking 28th among quarterbacks. His mobility could add more yards, but he's no longer the same elusive runner. Therefore, Wilson is more of a QB2 to tap when the fantasy QB1 is unavailable or is in a bye week.
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