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Steelers' Justin Fields 'definitely competing' to be QB1

Tue May 21 4:32pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields credits Bears general manager Ryan Poles for staying true to a promise by trading the former first-round pick to his preferred destination.

Fields landed in Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick as potential competition for Russell Wilson after the Bears decided to use the No. 1 overall pick to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Once that decision crystallized for Chicago, Poles personally committed to "doing right by Justin Fields."

"Shoutout to Poles," Fields said Tuesday after organized team activities with the Steelers. "We communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be, so he honored that and I appreciate him for that. Nothing but love for the city, the fans, my teammates and coaches."

If Fields plays more than 51 percent of the total snaps for the Steelers in 2024, Chicago's draft compensation in return is upgraded to a fourth-round pick.

They cleared the depth chart in a matter of weeks, dealing former starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles and allowing Mason Rudolph to join the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft, had 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in three seasons with the Bears.

It's also a fresh start for Wilson, who enters Year 13 with something to prove. He signed with the Steelers after being released by the Broncos despite a total cap hit of more than $80 million.

Fields said he's grateful to be in Pittsburgh and declined to answer whether the Bears did everything they could to facilitate his growth on the field.

"It is what it is. That's in the past," Fields said.

As for his next chapter with the Steelers, Fields said his intentions are clear inside the building.

"I'm definitely competing. Russ knows that," Fields said. "We're competing against each other every day. I definitely don't have the mindset of me just sitting every day. I'm pushing him to be his best and he's pushing me to be my best each and every day."

Fields said he's not the same quarterback he was last year.

"I have a lot more room to grow," Fields said. "I'm going to continue to get better each and every day. I'm nowhere near my ceiling."

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 3

Player Notes

Leonard Williams Sep 22 4:40pm ET

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (ribs) exited in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins. He is officially listed as questionable to return. After heading to the blue tent holding his side, Williams could be seen heading to the locker room. Williams is an important piece of a much improved Seahawks defensive line. In 2024, Williams has recorded six total tackles and 1.5 sacks. If he cannot return to the game then his absence will profoundly impact the Seahawks D/ST. Hopefully, the injury is not serious but fantasy managers rostering the Seahawks D/ST should be aware of his status.

From RotoBaller

Will Levis Sep 22 4:40pm ET

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis completed 24-of-36 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, also losing a fumble against Green Bay. It was another struggle of an afternoon for the young quarterback, who had his second three turnover game to start the season. Levis was constantly under pressure for the third straight week, which led to eight Sacks by the Packers. The only promising takeaway from this game was that Levis hit his third highest yardage total of his young career, but the Titans offense continues to look ineffective with him at the helm. The 25-year-old is simply too turnover prone to trust in fantasy right now, even in 2QB leagues. Levis will look to get his first win of the 2024 season next Monday against Miami.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 22 4:40pm ET

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley caught just one pass for nine yards in a 30-14 home loss to Green Bay. After an explosion last week, Ridley was completely taken out of the game on Sunday, receiving only three targets on the afternoon. This volatility might be the norm due to the consistent nature of the Titans' passing attack with quarterback Will Levis throwing the ball, but the low target volume is very odd. It's also worth noting that veteran DeAndre Hopkins finished with a 6-73-1 line and led the team with seven targets, potentially signaling a shift in the alpha status of Titans' pass catchers. Ridley will look to bounce back next Monday night against the Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Sep 22 4:40pm ET

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis had himself a banner day in Week 3 as he threw for 202 yards and a touchdown through the air in the Packers' 30-14 victory against the Tennessee Titans. Willis also added 73 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground, showing promise filling in for starting quarterback Jordan Love (knee), who was ruled out this week. Love may return in Week 4 at home against the Minnesota Vikings and that would relegate Willis back to backup quarterbacking duties behind Love. Of course, if Love is back in the lineup for the Packers, Willis can be safely dropped in seasonal fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 22 4:20pm ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have benched rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia in favor of Wanya Morris for their Week 3 game on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Suamataia struggled in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson had his way with the rookie all day. The move may be welcome for fantasy managers. Morris may be able to allow quarterback Patrick Mahomes more time to operate on Sunday night. That will be important for Mahomes' fantasy stock and the various pass catchers in the Kansas City offense.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Sep 22 4:10pm ET

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo will handle kickoff returns in place of injured wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) in Week 3, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Barrows notes that the majority of kickoffs in 2024 have resulted in touchbacks, but if the Rams attempt any kicks that are returnable, Guerendo will handle that duty. The 24-year-old rookie has seen minimal opportunities on offense this year, rushing just once while handling one percent of offensive snaps in Week 2. He's off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Joshua Karty Sep 22 3:40pm ET

Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty (groin) is officially active for Week 3 versus the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable after logging a limited practice on Friday. Karty has not yet missed a kick through two weeks in the NFL, converting three extra points and three field goals (including one from 40+ yards out). However, the Rams enter Sunday's game without Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee), which is bad news for their offense's chances of scoring. As a result, Karty's upside is also limited. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues this week.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Sep 22 3:40pm ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 3 versus the New Orleans Saints. He exited the game in the second half. At the time of his departure, he had caught seven of 10 targets for 79 yards. Smith had earned an uptick in targets lately with A.J. Brown (hamstring) sidelined. Now, Philadelphia will be without both of its top two receivers for the end of Sunday's game and perhaps beyond. Tight end Dallas Goedert figures to be the centerpiece of the passing game while receivers Johnny Wilson, Jahan Dotson, and Parris Campbell also get involved. The Eagles face the Buccaneers next weekend before heading into a Week 5 bye.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 22 3:30pm ET

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) exited during the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is officially questionable to return. Herbert entered this week with an ankle injury and was a game-time decision. While the Chargers ultimately decided he was healthy enough to play, they kept a third quarterback active in case Herbert re-aggravated his injury and had to exit the contest. That exact scenario is now coming into play after Herbert exited. At the time of his departure, he had completed 12 passes for 125 yards and one touchdown. Taylor Heinicke entered the game in his place.

From RotoBaller

Greg Dortch Sep 22 3:30pm ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch (hamstring) is officially active for Week 3 against the Detroit Lions. He had been listed as questionable entering the weekend, but there was a growing sense that he would suit up. Dortch is expected to operate as the Cardinals' No. 3 receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, and he'll also compete for touches with running back James Conner and tight end Trey McBride. Dortch has the potential to be a target hog, especially in the short-yardage passing game. However, he's only on the fantasy radar in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Nick Bosa Sep 22 3:30pm ET

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (rib) is officially active for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction this weekend. The 49ers get a major boost from having Bosa, who has tallied seven tackles and two sacks through two games, available for Sunday's divisional clash.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 22 3:20pm ET

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was already listed as doubtful and wasn't expected to play in their Week 3 matchup. Ahead of kickoff, the team made it official and listed Mostert as inactive against the Seattle Seahawks. This will be his second missed game in a row with the same chest issue that he's been dealing with since their Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. De'Von Achane is set to take on a huge workload while Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is also sidelined, which means the playbook will be adjusted for backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. Jeff Wilson Jr. will serve as the backup again while Jaylen Wright may see some opportunities depending on the game script.

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Sep 22 3:13pm ET

Dynasty | The Panthers are receiving trade calls on quarterback Bryce Young. Dynasty Analysis: "In demand," might be a bit strong as teams are likely contacting Carolina to see if they pick up a former #1 pick for mere pennies on the dollar. At this point, the Panthers have been unwilling to entertain offers but that could change if Andy Dalton plays well and proves their early season offensive problems were legitimately all on Young. If Dalton struggles, Young could get another chance down the road. Today will be a big day for his future for sure. In the end, he remains a pretty weak hold in a dynasty league.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kenneth Walker III Sep 22 3:10pm ET

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) was already listed as doubtful for their Week 3 contest against the Miami Dolphins, but he's officially been deemed inactive. Zach Charbonnet will step in as the starting running back with Kenny McIntosh coming in as the backup. Charbonnet was the only member of the backfield to receive touches in their Week 2 win over the New England Patriots, and he registered 38 yards on 14 carries with five catches for 31 yards. Seattle will likely rely on the passing game once again. Walker's next chance to play will be Week 4 on the road against the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Britain Covey Sep 22 3:10pm ET

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 3 versus the New Orleans Saints. He had an 11-yard reception and a fair catch prior to his departure. The speedy 27-year-old had merely been filling a depth receiver and special teams role for Philadelphia, so his departure doesn't have major fantasy implications.

From RotoBaller

Alex Anzalone Sep 22 3:03pm ET

The Detroit Lions have declared WR Isaiah Williams, LB Alex Anzalone, DL James Houston, CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr., OT Giovanni Manu, CB Ifeatu Melifonwu and OT Colby Sorsdal inactive for Week 3.

Brent Urban Sep 22 3:03pm ET

The Baltimore Ravens have declared DE Adisa Isaac, S Beau Brade, CB T.J. Tampa, C Nick Samac, DL Brent Urban, WR Devontez Walker and OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu inactive for Week 3.

George Kittle Sep 22 3:03pm ET

The San Francisco 49ers have declared QB Joshua Dobbs, OG Ben Bartch, WR Deebo Samuel, LB Tatum Bethune, CB Darrell Luter Jr. and TE George Kittle inactive for Week 3.

Joey Bosa Sep 22 3:00pm ET

Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Joey Bosa (hip) has officially been downgraded from questionable to out during their matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He originally left in the first half with a hip issue and was tagged with a questionable status at the time. Bosa didn't register any tackles in this contest after accruing nine total tackles and 2.0 sacks through their first two games. Tuli Tuipulotu is next on the depth chart and has already posted four total tackles and two tackles for loss. He'll see more opportunities while Bud Dupree will likely get involved as well.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 22 2:53pm ET

Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) has been declared inactive for the Week 3 game.

Fantasy Spin: De'Von Achane has taken over as the main running back for the Dolphins and will see most of the snaps at the position in Week 3. He should be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.