Steelers' Justin Fields: Drawing Week 1 start

Now Playing

Link copied!

Fields will start at quarterback in Sunday's game against the Falcons, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Russell Wilson was named the Steelers' starter coming out of the preseason, but he'll be inactive as the third quarterback for the season opener after he picked up a calf injury Thursday and was limited in practice Friday as a result. Though Wilson remained hopeful to play after being listed questionable heading into Sunday, the Steelers are choosing to exercise caution with the veteran signal-caller, opening the door for Fields to start in what will be his Pittsburgh debut. During his previous three seasons with the Bears, Fields was a viable fantasy starter due to his dual-threat abilities, but poor accuracy, turnover issues and a penchant for taking sacks rendered him less valuable from a real-life standpoint. He could be a worthwhile lineup option in Week 1 -- especially in superflex formats or leagues that start two quarterbacks -- but Fields could be headed back to the bench as soon as Week 2 in Denver with Wilson's calf injury seemingly viewed as a short-term concern.