RADIO
Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named quarterback Russell Wilson as the starter for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Wilson was released by the Denver Broncos this offseason, and the Steelers signed him to a one-year deal in free agency.
With the veteran beating out Justin Fields for the starting job in training camp, he was set to be the team's starting quarterback to begin the year. However, Wilson is now dealing with a calf issue that puts his Week 1 status in jeopardy.
So, will Wilson play in Week 1? Let's dive in and find out.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Will Russell Wilson Play In Week 1?
UPDATE: Wilson has officially been ruled out for the contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Fields will start at quarterback.
On Thursday, Wilson reported some calf tightness during practice. He left practice early, and the Steelers listed the quarterback as a limited participant in practice. It's unclear how or when the 35-year-old injured his calf, but Tomlin said the team "wanted to exercise some precaution."
The next day, Wilson was a limited participant in practice again. While the veteran was on the field for a part of practice, it was Fields who was throwing balls during the individual period. During that individual portion, Wilson was standing on the side and watching.
Individual period today featured Steelers QB Justin Fields throwing the ball and Russell Wilson, who was limited with calf tightness yesterday, watching on. pic.twitter.com/OhSUT73VTP
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) September 6, 2024
So, it remains unclear if Wilson will be able to suit up against the Falcons. He said after Friday's practice that he is taking the injury one day at a time and trying to get his body ready for Sunday. If his calf is good enough, the veteran will start in Week 1. However, if he can't, look for Fields to take over under center.
Russell Wilson 2024 Fantasy Outlook
It wasn't too long ago that Wilson was a strong QB1 option in fantasy. From 2013 to 2020, he finished as a QB1 in eight straight years. But the last couple of seasons have been rough for the former All-Pro quarterback. In 2023, the 35-year-old finished as the QB14 in all formats while throwing for a career-low 3,070 yards.
As a result, Wilson is more of a QB2 in fantasy this year. He doesn't run much anymore -- as he has totaled less than 350 rush yards in four of the past five seasons -- and the Steelers wide receiver room isn't particularly strong (George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson).
While the Steelers didn't rule out Russell Wilson, and he didn't rule out himself, I'm not getting the vibe that he will start.
It feels like this is pointing more toward Justin Fields.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) September 6, 2024
If Wilson is good to go for Week 1, he should only be started in Superflex formats in fantasy. Even though the Falcons allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks last season, the Steelers signal-caller is a risky play to start the year. He is more of a low-end QB2 this week.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
More Fantasy Football Analysis
