Is Russell Wilson Injured Or Playing In Week 1? Should I Start Justin Fields For Fantasy Football?

The Pittsburgh Steelers made massive changes to their quarterback unit in the offseason. Mitchell Trubisky was released and signed with the Buffalo Bills. Mason Rudolph was a free agent and allowed to sign with the Tennessee Titans. Kenny Pickett was supposed to compete for the starting job but got traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Pittsburgh signed Russell Wilson to a one-year veteran minimum contract after the Denver Broncos released the veteran. The Steelers traded for Justin Fields a few weeks later, giving the Chicago Bears a conditional 2025 NFL Draft Day 3 pick for the former Ohio State star.

After a tight quarterback competition during training camp, Wilson won the starting job over Fields. However, the veteran might not play in Week 1.

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Is Russell Wilson Injured Or Playing In Week 1?

UPDATE: Wilson has officially been ruled out for the contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Fields will start at quarterback.

Wilson suffered a calf injury during training camp, forcing him to miss a few weeks. He also sat out one of the preseason games because of the injuries. Unfortunately, the veteran re-aggravated the injury earlier this week in practice. While the Steelers haven’t ruled him out for tomorrow’s matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Fields is expected to get the start.

Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) is NOT expected to play Week 1, per @DMRussini pic.twitter.com/004VgT7Pv5

— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 7, 2024

Should I Start Justin Fields In Week 1?

While Fields isn’t an elite passer, the former Ohio State star is an outstanding quarterback for fantasy players because of his rushing abilities. He was the QB18 in 2023, averaging 17.7 fantasy points per game, totaling 2,562 passing yards and 16 touchdowns. Furthermore, Fields had 657 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 13 contests.

Fields has his FOURTH touchdown pass of the game!

📺: #DENvsCHI on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/4PtGwey89l

— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023

Fantasy players without a clear-cut top-12 quarterback this week should add Fields off the waiver wire and start him against the Falcons. While Atlanta improved their defense in the offseason, the matchup is appealing enough to give the veteran quarterback top-12 upside.

I would start Fields over a few big-name quarterbacks this week, including Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, and Joe Burrow.

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