Russell Wilson Scores Three Touchdowns In Steelers Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 16 of 29 pass attempts for 264 yards and two touchdowns, adding three carries for three yards and a score on the ground in a 37-15 victory over the New York Jets. Wilson and the Steelers' offense got off to a slow start but started to get in rhythm in the second quarter. He displayed chemistry with wide receiver George Pickens as the duo connected on multiple deep balls and an 11-yard touchdown on the team's last possession of the first half. The 35-year-old later scored on a QB sneak and found Van Jefferson in the end zone from four yards out. Although Justin Fields led Pittsburgh to a 4-2 start, it seems Wilson will be the starter moving forward after a convincing win in which the Steelers scored 31 unanswered points. Fantasy managers can view him as a QB2 option heading into a Week 8 meeting with the New York Giants.
Steelers Officially Planning To Start Russell Wilson In Week 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to start quarterback Russell Wilson on Sunday night against the New York Jets in Week 7 now that he is finally healthy. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says to expect both Wilson and Justin Fields to play, but Wilson is expected to play the bulk of the snaps under center. Wilson was the presumptive starter back in training camp before suffering a calf strain, which kept him out for the first six weeks of the season while Fields led the team to a 4-2 start. The writing was on the wall for the Steelers to turn to Wilson this week when he took first-team practice reps over Fields. The 35-year-old Wilson surely doesn't have the type of mobility that Fields provides, which could be an issue against a Jets defense that ranks third in sacks and fifth in QB pressure rate in 2024. Wilson has led the NFL in sacks taken twice in the last five years. At best, treat Wilson as a low-end QB2 in fantasy.
Russell Wilson Expresses Confidence For Season Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson expressed that he will return to the field this weekend against the New York Jets. The veteran quarterback told Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, "It's the first game of the year for me. But I've been fortunate to be in a lot of first games. So the confidence is there, obviously." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who is taking first-team reps during practice, but this suggests that Wilson has claimed the top spot on the depth chart over Justin Fields and will return to the field for the first time this season. Wilson faces a tough task in his season debut as the Jets have allowed the second-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Last season, Wilson threw for a career-low 3,070 passing yards with 26 scores.
QB Committee Coming In Pittsburgh With Russell Wilson, Justin Fields?
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that quarterback Russell Wilson will be "in contention" to play and potentially start on Sunday night against the New York Jets. The Athletic's Mike DeFabo writes that Justin Fields, who has led the team to a 4-2 start while Wilson rehabbed a calf strain, could still reclaim the starting gig. And even if he doesn't, the Steelers could use both Wilson and Fields in certain packages on offense. There's no guarantee Wilson will be an obvious upgrade over Fields, and he'll need to prove himself, especially as a passer. One of the biggest risks in playing Wilson over Fields is the former's lack of mobility -- twice in the last five seasons Wilson has led the league in sacks. In terms of Week 7 if Wilson starts, the Jets have the third-most sacks (20) in the league and the fifth-highest pressure rate (39.8%). Wilson will be a low-end QB2, at best, in fantasy if he starts.
Russell Wilson Handling First-Team Reps On Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson handled first-team reps in the open portion of Wednesday's practice, according to team beat writer Mike DeFabo. The veteran has been dealing with a calf injury this season but was a full participant in practice all of last week and looks to be trending toward starting against the New York Jets in Week 7. The Steelers have a 4-2 record but have passed for just 166.8 yards per game under Justin Fields. Wilson struggled mightily in his time with the Denver Broncos, but he finished as a top-15 fantasy quarterback in 2022 and 2023. He's unlikely to be a significant factor in single-QB leagues, but he's a must-add option in superflex and two-QB formats.
Russell Wilson "In Consideration" To Start In Week 7
The Pittsburgh Steelers are planning to give quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) first-team repetitions in practice this week, putting him in line to make his Steelers debut and start on Sunday night against the New York Jets in Week 7. Pittsburgh is off to a 4-2 start with Justin Fields under center, but Wilson's calf injury is fully healed. Tomlin said Wilson "proved his health last week" and confirms he's "in consideration" to start on Sunday. He won't rule out playing both QBs against the Jets. It's a curious decision, to say the least, given how poorly Wilson looked in the last two seasons with the Broncos. Fields hasn't been amazing, but he's done enough to warrant keeping the job and has five touchdowns and only one interception while completing a career-high 66.3% of his passes through six games. He's also run for five scores. In a tough matchup against the Jets defense in primetime, Wilson will be a midrange QB2, at best, if he's officially named the starter for this week.
Justin Fields To Start Against Raiders, Russell Wilson To Back Him Up
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that quarterback Justin Fields will make another start in Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, with Russell Wilson (calf) being active on Sunday to back him up. Wilson is recovering from a calf strain that has kept him out all year to this point. He was able to finally return to full practice this week and will serve as Fields' backup on the road in Vegas this weekend. Fields hasn't been amazing as the starter under center, but he's done enough to lead the team to a winning record and has limited the turnovers. The 25-year-old has completed 67.6% of his pass attempts with five touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for 172 yards and three scores on the ground. However, he's going to need to keep playing well to hold off Wilson now that he's past his calf issues. Against the struggling Raiders this weekend, Field has QB1 upside.
Russell Wilson Could Still Take Over Steelers Starting Job
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) technically won the starting job in training camp, but hasn't been able to take the field due to a calf injury. In fact, the Steelers were ready to trot him out as the starter in Week 1 until the calf flared up a few days before kickoff, allowing Justin Fields to step in earlier than expected. Since then, Wilson has dressed as the emergency QB and has slowly worked his way to taking second-team reps. Head coach Mike Tomlin didn't explicitly say that Wilson would eventually take his spot back, but he said that "the door is ajar" in terms of a potential QB swap. While Fields has looked much improved from his days with the Chicago Bears, the passing game leaves a lot to be desired. Wilson may get the chance to see if he can breathe new life into it.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in Thursday's practice for the second straight day, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Wilson returned to full participation during Wednesday's practice for the first time since he suffered the calf injury prior to Week 1. This is an excellent sign for the 35-year-old, as he should be in line to serve as the NO.2 QB on the depth chart for the first time this season. Wilson was initially named QB1 after the preseason but ceded duties to Justin Fields after the injury, who has brought the Steelers to a 3-2 record. Last weekend, Fields posted his worst completion percentage (55.6%) and second-lowest yard total (131) in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson will likely take over the starting role if Fields continues to struggle. Wilson is worth stashing in 2QB formats going forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in practice for the first time in over a month on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson suffered a calf injury before the season opener, which allowed Justin Fields to take over starting duties. While fantasy managers should still expect Fields to remain the starting QB for the time being, Wilson could eventually take over the job in the coming weeks, given that he is now at full strength. Last week, Fields went 15-for-27 in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys and threw for just 131 yards. Fantasy managers in superflex formats should consider stashing Wilson, as he could move to the top of the depth chart if Fields continues to struggle.
