Rapoport made sure not to put it in stone that Fields is the starter, noting that Russell Wilson will test out his calf tomorrow before a final decision is made. However, he said Wilson would be held out “absent some sort of magic potion” that helps him make it through the Saturday morning workout. Fields got all of the starting reps and will undoubtedly get the first crack at the job despite the Steelers desperately wanting Wilson to be the starter throughout the offseason. Wilson dealt with the calf issue for most of camp. He appeared to be past the issue after getting some reps in the team’s final preseason game, but the injury flared up and now his status beyond Week 1 is up in the air. Fields’ elite rushing output alone puts him at the end of the QB1 ranks for his first start as a Steeler.

Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in camp and missed some time while recovering. Herbert was listed as a full participant in all three practice sessions this week before being removed from the report. The injury could limit his mobility slightly, but there has been no indication that it will be a long-term issue. Herbert is a top-10 talent at quarterback, but Jim Harbuagh’s run-first style will severely limit his passing volume. Fantasy managers should treat him as a high-end QB2 going into the season.

Wilson was listed as limited in practice on Thursday and Friday. Russ told reporters he is “hopeful” to play but also said he has to be smart when managing the injury. His workload in Friday’s session was extremely light by all accounts. Even if he can take the field, the Steelers may feel Justin Fields is better prepared for Week 1. Fields needs to be added in all formats based on his elite rushing potential. Even if he hasn’t taken the next step as a passer, his output on the ground will carry him to low-end QB1 status. Wilson, on the other hand, is not a relevant fantasy option, healthy or not.

Chase gets the questionable tag while Tee Higgins (hamstring) is listed as doubtful. It’s worth noting that the 6-foot wideout was a full participant in practice. Chase called himself a “game-time” decision for the opener after his hold-in while confirming he will play out the season even without a new contract, and the questionable designation confirms that 50/50 proposition. Even if Chase goes, his snap count is likely to be (comparatively) limited against New England, but his talent could allow for a big day even if that’s the case. There’s just a lot of risk that comes with the potential reward.

It’s incredibly rare for players to suit up after getting hit with the doubtful tag, so fantasy managers should move forward as if Higgins won’t be active on Sunday. Ja’Marr Chase is questionable after missing much of the offseason program while holding out for a new contract. Even if Chase plays, it’s hard to know how much he will be on the feel given his lack of practice reps. Andrei Iosivas was already locked in as the No. 3 receiver and will now play an even larger role in the offense. Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones will also see some reps while rookie Jermaine Burton appears to be buried on the depth.

“If I am ready to go, i will go,” Wilson told reporters, while also noting that he has to be smart and wants to play in “all 20 games” in the 2024 season. Wilson was limited again Friday in practice doing mostly individual work as he tries to work through the calf injury that also limited him during Thursday’s action. It sounds like it’s a 50/50 proposition as to whether Wilson plays, and Justin Fields would be the starter against Atlanta if Wilson is unable to go.

Downs suffered an ankle injury early in training camp and has been sidelined ever since. Both head coach Shane Steichen and Downs himself have been optimistic about him returning soon, so we could see the second-year wideout back in action as early as Indy’s Week 2 matchup with the Packers. For now, rookie Adonai Mitchell will approach a full-time role for the Colts, making him a clear stash in any fantasy leagues where he went undrafted.

Freiermuth is in the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, but the Steelers hope to keep him around for the foreseeable future. After breaking out for 63-732-2 in 2022, injuries and bad quarterback play resulted in an underwhelming 32-308-2 line from Freiermuth last season. He’s reportedly developed good chemistry with Russell Wilson this offseason and could be second in the target pecking order in a Steelers offense that does not feature a WR2 of note at this time. Freiermuth is a fringe TE1/TE2 in Week 1 against the Falcons.

Taylor said the same thing about Ja’Marr Chase, but Higgins’ situation is far more concerning. The veteran receiver was added to the injury report yesterday and was a surprise DNP on Friday despite saying he felt “amazing” less than 24 hours ago. It’s possible the Bengals are just managing Higgins’ workload a day after suffering the injury. He’ll likely carry a questionable tag heading into Sunday and be a game-time decision leading up to inactives being announced.

It’s about what we’d expect to hear from Taylor, who hasn’t had much to say regarding Chase, his holdout, or his Week 1 availability. Chase logged a full week of practice after holding out during the offseason and training camp. Given Tee Higgins’ (hamstring) status, we would expect Chase to be on the field in some capacity, but while speaking with the media on Friday, he said he could be “limited.” The good news is that Chase has said he will play without a new deal, meaning fantasy managers shouldn’t have anything to worry about over the season.