The arrival of Aaron Rodgers to the Pittsburgh Steelers marked a turning point for the franchise. With Mike Tomlin determined to compete in the highly competitive AFC, the veteran quarterback became the key piece to lead a revamped offense. However, not everything is going according to plan at the team’s training camp.
Tomlin had built a system that not only aimed to compete immediately with Rodgers as the starter, but also to develop young talent behind him. The vision was clear: secure the present without neglecting the future, offering opportunities to developing quarterbacks in an environment led by a four-time MVP.
The Steelers‘ roster includes names like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, but expectations were also centered on the performance of younger players. As preseason practices progress, the team is working to establish depth chart clarity and proactively plan for a future transition at the position.
A setback for a young quarterback
Rookie quarterback Will Howard suffered a fracture in his throwing hand and is expected to be out for at least three weeks. While the injury won’t require surgery, it does represent a significant setback in his development, especially at a time when gaining reps and experience is crucial in his first professional camp.
Will Howard #QB07 of Ohio State speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Next steps for the Steelers
Given this situation, Tomlin must evaluate whether to rely on his current backup options or consider bringing in an outside reinforcement to provide more security behind Rodgers. The veteran’s health is now more vital than ever, and Howard’s absence forces the Steelers to adjust their plans in the middle of preseason.
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Pittsburgh will open its preseason schedule against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, August 9 at EverBank Stadium. They will then host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 16, followed by a road game against the Carolina Panthers on August 21. With Howard sidelined, the coaching staff will need to divide reps among the remaining quarterbacks.
