The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a challenging time as they head into Week 4 of the NFL season, as you can see from the odds on European betting sites. A key player is likely to miss their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts, and rumors about Justin Fields pushing for a contract extension have surfaced. Here's everything you need to know about these developments.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields warms up prior to a contest against the Denver Broncos in 2024.
Steelers Face Major Injury Concern with Jaylen Warren
The Steelers are dealing with injury issues, and this week it’s Jaylen Warren, their running back, who is the main concern. According to reports, Warren is not expected to play in Week 4 against the Colts.
Mike Tomlin, the head coach, assured fans that Najee Harris will be available, but Warren's absence could impact the team’s offense. Warren, who had been dealing with a hamstring injury earlier this season, now seems to be facing a knee issue that could keep him out. Though the injury is not expected to be long-term, missing this week could hinder the Steelers’ offensive strategy.
Jaylen Warren’s Impact on the Team
Warren has been one of the more dynamic players for the Steelers, especially last year when he stood out alongside George Pickens on the offense overall. Known for making big plays in critical moments, Warren's ability to break through defenses and gain significant yards has been key to the Steelers’ success.
In 2023, he had already faced setbacks with injuries, and if he misses more games, the Steelers could struggle in important moments. Warren’s ability to make defenders miss and pick up crucial first downs, particularly when the offense is stalling, is something the Steelers will miss.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Jaylen Warren attempts to break a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.
Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery, and Steelers supporters are encouraged to keep Warren in their thoughts as the team prepares for the next few matches.
Russell Wilson Trade Rumors and Injury Concerns
Another storyline surrounding the Steelers is the situation with Russell Wilson. While Wilson is not the current starting quarterback, his role has been debated recently. Reports from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler suggest that Wilson’s calf injury, suffered earlier before training camp, is still a significant issue. According to Fowler, Wilson is “not moving very well” and has not fully recovered.
Wilson, who re-aggravated his injury just before the season opener, has struggled to regain full mobility. This lack of progress raises questions about his future role with the team, especially with Justin Fields currently playing some of the best football of his career. Fields have led the Steelers to a 3-0 start, which makes it difficult to consider switching back to Wilson, even when he is fully fit.
Is Wilson a Trade Candidate?
Despite Wilson’s injury concerns, Bleacher Report recently listed him as one of the top trade candidates in the NFL this season. If the Steelers continue to favor Justin Fields as their starting quarterback, Wilson might seek a move to another team where he can have a fresh start.
Potential Trade Destinations for Russell Wilson:
Miami Dolphins: With Tua Tagovailoa on the injured reserve list due to a concussion, the Dolphins could be in the market for a new quarterback. Miami struggled in recent weeks, and adding Wilson could provide much-needed stability.
New England Patriots: The Patriots may consider Wilson if their current options don’t perform well. However, it seems less likely that Wilson would choose a rebuilding team like the Patriots as his next destination.
Other potential teams include the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants. However, it’s unclear if Wilson would want to move at all. He would need to waive his no-trade clause to make any deal possible.
Possible Trade Value
If Wilson were to be traded, the most likely return would be a mid-round draft pick. While some believe the Steelers could demand a higher price, such as a second-round pick, this seems unlikely given Wilson’s age and current form. A fourth or fifth-round pick is a more reasonable expectation.
Kyle Hess / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Russell Wilson warms up before sitting out the 2024 season opener due to injury.
Is Justin Fields Pushing for a Contract Extension?
In other news, rumors have emerged that Fields may be seeking a contract extension with the Steelers. According to Andrew Fillipponi, Fields could sign a two-year, $50 million extension if the Steelers were to offer it now. Fields has been performing well, leading the Steelers to a strong start this season.
The Case for an Extension
With Fields playing at a high level, some are wondering if the Steelers should lock him in with an extension sooner rather than later. At 25 million per season, Fields could prove to be a bargain if he continues his current form. Extending him would give the team stability at the quarterback position and allow them to focus on other areas in the offseason.
