Mike Wallace Injury: Updates on Steelers Star's Week 4 Status and Fantasy Value

Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver Mike Wallace suffered a cartilage injury in his ribcage in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, but it appears he will be ready to go come Sunday.

Wallace, who will be going for his seventh straight 100-yard game on Sunday against the Houston Texans, suffered the injury late in the Steelers' 23-20 victory over the Colts in Week 3.

Update: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 5:25 p.m. EDT

Wallace did not finish the game well. He did not get another target and was locked down by the Texans' secondary. 

His team lost a tough one and his lack of second-half contributions most likely aided that. 

Update: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 2:40 p.m. EDT

Mike Wallace is not effected by his injury. He has 4 receptions for 77 yards and has been the only productive member of the Steelers' receiving corp at halftime. 

Look for him to get heavy usage in the second half.

UPDATE: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 11:58 EDT

As expected all week, Pittsburgh's top receiving threat is going going to be in the lineup today.

Rotoworld lists the receiver as active against the Texans this week.

Houston's new defense is much improved from a year ago, but they are still beatable. Wallace's presence will play a major role in today's game if the Steelers are to win.

UPDATE: Saturday, Oct. 1 at 3:55 p.m. EDT

The Pittsburgh Steelers need Mike Wallace to beat the Houston Texans this week, and it looks like all systems are go for the probable star.

Mike Wallace is excited to play Sunday against Houston, and he talked about his game on twitter:

For the Fantasy football owners of Mike Wallace, the damage to his ribs should not scare them as much as the coverage Jonathan Joseph will shower him with.

UPDATE: Thursday, Sept. 29 at 5:09 p.m. EST

According to CBS Fantasy, Mike Wallace practiced today, which is a good sign for fantasy owners. 

Fantasy owners should be able to start him with confidence this weekend.

Tweeted Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Wallace is undoubtedly one of the top receivers in the National Football League. He's already caught 21 balls for 377 yards and two touchdowns in just three games and is already a superstar in many people's minds.

Wallace came into his own in the Steelers' run to the Super Bowl in 2010, catching 60 balls for over 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns, and he racked up a career-best 144 receiving yards against the Colts.

What has been so impressive about Wallace's emergence is how consistent the third-year pro out of Mississippi has been. A third-rounder in 2009, he's more than erased all the doubts people had about him coming into the draft. He's a special player who just so happens to be exploding when veteran Hines Ward is on his last legs. Funny how things happen like that for elite teams.

As far as fantasy value, you start Wallace every game at this point. He may have a rib injury, but unless he re-aggravates the injury, it appears he'll be fine. An injury is never something fantasy owners want to see, but as of now it doesn't appear serious. But we will see just how well he's feeling in Houston.

The Steelers may be 2-1, but they need Wallace out on that field. The Colts were seriously short-handed in Week 3 and the Steelers barely came away with the victory. This team's offensive line appears to be holding it back at the moment and the Steelers could use some highlight-reel grabs from Wallace right now.

Look for Wallace to be out on the field on Sunday and have a big impact as always.