Russell Wilson’s Injury Status: What Does This Mean for Justin Fields in Week 2 of Fantasy Football?

For the second straight week, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be without quarterback Russell Wilson. After missing Week 1 with a calf injury, Wilson is listed as questionable, meaning Justin Fields could start again, according to Ian Rapoport.

The Steelers will monitor Wilson’s injury heading into the game. However, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Friday, “If his availability is questionable, then starting is less questionable.” Wilson has been a limited participant in practice all week. The quarterback dressed for the Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons but was available only in an emergency. Pittsburgh will likely continue to play it smart with Wilson. Wilson said this week, “You basically have to do everything. I’ll get there.”

Should Wilson not start again, the Steelers will rely on Justin Fields. Fields went 17-for-23 for 156 yards. He also added 14 rushing attempts for 57 yards. While not a huge stat line, Fields remained efficient and didn’t give the ball away.

Russell Wilson injury status

Wilson is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, which would mark his return to Denver to play the Broncos. While Wilson is getting closer to playing, he is not 100 percent and it appears the Steelers are trying to remain cautious with their starting quarterback. Wilson has not fully practiced since injuring his calf and was limited all week again. The quarterback’s status will be uncertain against the Broncos, but as it stands, it appears Wilson will play more.

What Russell Wilson’s Injury Means for Fantasy Football

Wilson is far from the fantasy-relevant quarterback he was earlier in his career with the Seattle Seahawks. However, some would certainly have him in deeper or two-quarterback leagues. The Broncos’ defense held up admirably against the pass last week, allowing Geno Smith just 171 yards through the air and one touchdown.

Still, Fields could be worth a play, as it will be his second straight start on offense. Last week, Smith had four rushes for 30 yards and a touchdown. With Fields expected to get the start, he offers rushing upside that makes him worth starting. He enters the week as a mid-range QB2, but his rushing upside gives him the potential to finish just outside the top 10 and should be ranked higher than the likes of Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield.

The Steelers running backs didn’t benefit from Fields’ presence last week, as Najee Harris had just 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 also have something. The Steelers tight end had just 27 yards but four receptions.

Week 2 offers Fields another chance to cement the starting quarterback role for the Steelers. If Fields plays well and the Steelers come away with another win, it will be tough for Tomlin to replace the athletic quarterback with Wilson. Fields is worth a stash at the very least given his upside.