Will Russell Wilson play in Week 3 fantasy football? Injury update on Steelers QB

Quarterback Russell Wilson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being released by the Denver Broncos this offseason with hopes of becoming their starting quarterback. Through the first two weeks of the 2024 NFL season, Wilson has yet to play a snap under center or in shotgun for the Steelers.

While Mike Tomlin named Wilson the starting quarterback heading into the season, Wilson had a minor setback, dealing with a strained calf shortly before the start of the season. The injury has kept him sidelined through two weeks of action with backup Justin Fields starting in his stead. At this time, Wilson's injury isn't deemed serious.

However, heading into Week 3, it sounds like Wilson will have to sit another one out. Here's a look at his injury status ahead of the Steelers' showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Russell Wilson injury update

Russell Wilson during Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos - Source: Getty

Shortly before the start of the season, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that Russell Wilson was dealing with "calf tightness" which could have been soreness or a tear in the calf. MRI results showed that Wilson didn't suffer a tear so that's good news for the franchise.

The Steelers will continue to be cautious with Wilson. Tomlin said the plan is for Justin Fields to start his third-straight game against the Chargers this Sunday. Wilson is still not a full participant in practice.

Kyle Allen will likely serve as Fields' backup.

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Big Ben gives his reason for siding with Justin Fields over Russell Wilson

Justin Fields during Pittsburgh Steelers v Denver Broncos - Source: Getty

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to replace former quarterback and two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger for some time now. The same trend continued this offseason with the Steelers acquiring Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears and signing Russell Wilson in free agency.

The former Steelers quarterback recently voiced his support for Fields on his podcast "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger," and said that even if Wilson is healthy, he'd stick with Fields.

Roethlisberger said:

"It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t special. But they did what they were supposed to do which is not turn the ball over and ride the wave of that defense ... They’re 2-0. Big test this week with the Chargers coming to town. To me, if Russ is healthy, I’m sticking with Justin."

The Steelers will be sticking with Fields for another week. They're currently 2-0 through the first two games with wins over the Atlanta Falcons and the Denver Broncos.