Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (hamstring) was a full participant on Friday for the second day in a row and was removed from the final injury report for Week 1's contest on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons. Warren was listed as limited in the team's first official practice of the year, creating some uncertain as to whether he'd be available for the season opener. However, the 25-year-old has now been cleared and will suit up against Atlanta as he continues to share Pittsburgh's backfield with Najee Harris. Warren produced 784 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 149 carries (5.3 yards per attempt) and added a healthy 61 receptions for 370 yards in 17 regular-season games. With Pittsburgh's pass-catching depth suspect, Warren should be able to be a solid RB3/flex on a weekly basis again in 2024 with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) leading the offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game with a calf injury, according to ESPN's senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. The 35-year-old was limited at practice on Thursday due to tightness and was seen at practice again on Friday. The former Super Bowl champion expressed that he wants to take it "day by day" and that he "wants to play" if he is available. It was a good sign to see Wilson at practice again on Friday, but fantasy managers should continue to follow any updates regarding his status entering the weekend. If Wilson were to miss Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Justin Fields would slot in as the QB1 for Steel City. Fields will likely provide a safe floor from a fantasy perspective given his ability to run, but a shaky ceiling given his throwing inconsistencies.

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was ruled out for Week 1, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Michigan product suffered an ankle sprain that kept him sidelined for all training camp. However, he did begin to practice in a limited capacity this week, but the Steelers will lean on the side of caution for their third-round pick. The 23-year-old could be ready to make his regular-season debut in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. In his final season at Michigan, the wideout caught 48 passes for 789 yards and 12 scores en route to winning a national championship. Fantasy managers should expect Van Jefferson to serve as the No.2 receiver this weekend, opposite of George Pickens. However, tight end Pat Freiermuth will likely see the most significant target uptick due to Wilson's absence.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is hopeful about his chances of playing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Speaking to reporters after participating in practice, Wilson said he's taking his injury day by day and he wants to play on Sunday if he's available. The calf issue has been bothering the veteran quarterback throughout training camp and any aggravation or setback this close to the season doesn't bode well. The Steelers didn't rule Wilson out on Sunday. However, beat reporters who cover the Steelers seem to believe the team is inching closer to starting Justin Fields against the Falcons. Fields would be a fantasy football upgrade at quarterback, but a downgrade for the pass catchers in the offense.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Pat Freiermuth have agreed to a four-year, $48.4 million contract extension. The 25-year-old secured 60+ receptions in his first two professional seasons before his production declined in 2023. Still, there's optimism surrounding the former Penn State Nittany Lion in 2024. With an unproven wide receiver corps behind George Pickens and Arthur Smith's utilization of tight ends, Freiermuth could be the team's second-leading target earner. However, Smith does also tend to deploy multiple tight ends. Freiermuth is ranked right on the TE1/2 line against the Atlanta Falcons.