Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) will not play in Friday's preseason opener vs. the Texans, HC Mike Tomlin said. QB Justin Fields will get the start. Tomlin notably added that what happens in preseason action carries a heavier weight than training camp in the battle for the starting QB job.
Wilson entered training camp as the favorite for the starting job, but this looks like a 50/50 call at this point. Wilson has missed considerable time with that calf injury, while Fields has impressed.
A strong showing from Fields on Friday night might push him past Wilson as the favorite to be under center come Week 1.
Fields is certainly a more exciting fantasy option than Wilson thanks to his high-end rushing ability. But that rushing ability would also make him a downgrade for WR George Pickens and TE Pat Freiermuth. A run-leaning Pittsburgh offense would lean even more toward the run with Fields.
We just shifted our projections from 13 starts for Wilson vs. four for Fields to 10 starts for Wilson and seven for Fields. We'll continue to monitor the situation. But, for now, Fields is the better pick late in fantasy drafts.
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