“People get caught up in what round he went in,” McCarthy said at the NFL League Meetings. “If I was drafting players that year, he wouldn’t have been around in the fifth or sixth round.

“I valued him higher than that based off Kansas State. And man, I thought he jumped out of the tv set during the college playoffs. What not is there to like about the guy? So, I think he’s definitely a real prospect as a starting quarterback.”

Howard or Rudolph

Will Howard is a major investment for the Steelers, even if Rodgers returns. Still, the former Buckeyes player will have to compete for a spot against Mason Rudolph, a seasoned veteran who is also looking for his chance to start in Week 1 in Steel City.

What will happen with Rodgers?

As of early April 2026, Aaron Rodgers remains a free agent as he mulls over whether to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 22nd NFL season or retire. While he has not set a formal deadline, Steelers owner Art Rooney II expects a decision before the NFL Draft begins on April 23. Head coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic about a reunion, noting that he and Rodgers have been in “constant communication”.

Howard waits for his chance

Despite a hand injury that sidelined him during last year’s training camp, Will Howard is now fully healthy and focused on making his NFL debut in 2026. After a year of development within the Steelers’ system, he enters the upcoming season ready to compete for a spot on the active roster and finally showcase his skills on the professional stage.

According to a report from Judy Battista, the Steelers are very optimistic about Will Howard and want to see what they can get out of him moving forward. “As for the long-term plan, they really like Will Howard, their sixth-round draft pick last season. Mike McCarthy wants to work with him. The Steelers want to see what they can get out of Howard.”

All of this becomes even more intriguing when considering the current situation involving Aaron Rodgers. There has been speculation about a possible one-year return in 2026, a scenario that would clearly represent a short-term approach for a franchise still trying to stabilize the quarterback position.

How Aaron Rogers’ retirement decision impacts Steelers QB situation

If Aaron Rodgers does return for one final season trying to chase a Super Bowl, it would likely serve as a bridge. And if that is the case, evaluating Howard now becomes even more critical. The Steelers would need to determine whether he can develop into a viable long-term option or whether the organization must continue the search for the next franchise cornerstone.

The urgency is amplified by the competitive landscape of the AFC, where elite quarterback play often defines postseason success. The names are stellar: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow. Waiting too long to identify a long-term answer could leave Pittsburgh behind.

For McCarthy, working closely with Howard offers a chance to mold a young passer within his offensive system rather than relying solely on veteran stopgaps. He’s been known as great quarterback whisperer working with stars like Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott. For the Steelers, it could quietly signal the beginning of a transition. One that prioritizes internal development over temporary fixes.

Whether Rodgers ultimately returns or not, the coming months represent a pivotal stretch for Pittsburgh’s quarterback future. If Will Howard shows he can handle a larger role, the Steelers’ long-term answer may already be in the building.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network revealed that Mike McCarthy was a huge fan of Will Howard coming out of last year’s NFL Draft. Howard was selected in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Steelers and sat behind Rodgers during this season. Howard also dealt with some injuries along the way.

According to Pelissero, McCarthy “liked Will Howard a lot.” Still, Howard didn’t play at all during his rookie year. He was QB3 at best under Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. The quarterback is 6-foot-3 and is a Pennsylvania native, being born in West Chester, which is a four-hour-and-a-half drive away from Pittsburgh.

Howard was a star in College Football

Howard played five years at the collegiate level, he is seasoned. His first four years were at Kansas State in the Big 12, then he transferred to Ohio State for the 2024 season. He guided the Buckeyes to a National Championship putting absurd numbers in the process.

Howard threw for 4,010 yards while completing 73% of his passes and sent 35 touchdowns. He led the Big Ten in all three of those categories. Howard has good size and toughness. However, he is seen more as a proficient game manager more than a playmaker. While he showed good poise, his arm strength is not the best. He is a polarizing prospect for sure, but McCarthy seems to like him, and the QB learned from Rodgers throughout 2025.

Rodgers might come back

It seems like we’re in for another offseason drama regarding Aaron Rodgers. All points signaled to retirement, but Mike McCarthy’s hiring could delay that decision. It remains to be seen what will happen, but having the 21st pick in the draft, it seems unlikely that they’ll be able to draft a big-time prospect, though it’s in the NCAAF where Rodgers’ replacement may be. So, for the meantime, it’s either Rodgers or Howard.

At the moment, Rudolph seems to have the edge as Rodgers’ backup due to his familiarity with the team from his first stint between 2018 and 2023. However, the big question is what will happen with Howard.

The rookie shined in mandatory minicamp and in the first days of training camp, but a finger injury has kept him from playing in the preseason with the Steelers. This opened the door for Thompson, who in two games has posted impressive stats: 30 of 43 passes completed, 346 yards, and three touchdowns. Numbers that would secure him a spot on any other NFL team.

Mike Tomlin Praises Skylar Thompson

After the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, several reporters asked Mike Tomlin if he was surprised by Skylar Thompson’s strong performances. The head coach’s response was decisive.

“It really has not. This guy’s played some NFL football. He’s had some starts and so forth in Miami. So, I’m not surprised that it’s not too big for him. I’m not surprised that his talent is showing. He’s a diligent worker. One man’s misfortune is often times another man’s opportunity. We live by that and certainly Will’s misfortune is his opportunity. He’s taken a nice advantage of it.”

Mike Tomlin Faces Tough QB Dilemma With Steelers

Mike Tomlin will have to decide very soon who will keep the No. 3 spot in the Steelers’ quarterback room. If Will Howard doesn’t play due to his injury, the logical move would be to keep Skylar Thompson on the roster for the start of the 2025 season.

What is certain is that Howard won’t be cut or sent to the practice squad because of his potential as a rookie for the future. The big question is whether, given Thompson’s strong performances, the lack of roster space could surprisingly force the team to cut or maybe trade the former Miami Dolphins quarterback.

However, at the start of training camp, the first setback hit the quarterback room with Will Howard’s injury. That clearly leaves Mason Rudolph as the backup and Skylar Thompson as the No. 3 on the depth chart.

Now, general manager Omar Khan has moved quickly to find a replacement for Howard, who fractured his pinky finger on his throwing hand. A very surprising name has emerged for the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Who did Steelers just sign?

Mike Tomlin confirmed that the Steelers have just signed Logan Woodside as the quarterback who will replace Will Howard while the rookie recovers from his injury.

“We acquired Logan Woodside at quarterback. He’s no stranger to the NFL. He’s had a past relationship with Arthur Smith. Given the circumstances with Will Howard, we thought that was appropriate. He’ll be a quick study. We’ll work hard the next 48 hours and certainly will have game availability. Whether or not he plays remains to be seen, but that was the intention.”

Woodside is familiar with the system in Pittsburgh because he played for Arthur Smith when he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and also when he was the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.

In addition, Tomlin will have in Mason Rudolph a very reliable backup who knows the organization inside and out. Despite playing with the Titans last year, the Oklahoma State graduate had already spent six seasons in Pittsburgh.

With a roster that now includes names like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith, Jalen Ramsey, and Darius Slay, there are no more excuses. The team looks built to be Super Bowl or bust.

Who got injured with Pittsburgh Steelers?

Will Howard got injured with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and all signs point to him missing the entire preseason. However, Mike Tomlin was more cautious when giving the team’s first official diagnosis.

“Regarding Will’s hand injury, he’s got a broken finger. It can be characterized as week to week. You know, he’s looking at his options. I’ll have more information when it’s definitive, but, he’s certainly out this week. Appears to be non-surgical. So, we’ll see where the roads lead us there.”

“Yeah, I mean, it sucks for him for sure because he’s had such a nice camp as young player and then watching him in mini camp. Just seeing his command of the offense. But, this year is a growth year for him. It’s a year to watch and learn and obviously better himself. This would just be a minor setback for him.”

Mike Tomlin and the Steelers are counting on Rodgers as their bet to win the Super Bowl in the 2025 season, but the long-term future remains uncertain. Although all signs point to drafting a quarterback in the 2026 Draft, Howard had impressed during his first practices with the team and had established himself as a serious prospect to become the franchise’s next leader.

Did Will Howard get injured?

Yes. Will Howard got injured during training camp with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Early reports indicate that he suffered a fractured small bone in his hand. Despite the disappointment this represents for the rookie, Rodgers advised him to stay patient and dropped a very interesting hint about the player’s future. He’s possibly a long-term answer at quarterback for the black and gold team.

“It would have been great to see him get some live reps in the preseason, but, I’m not sure when he’s going to be back. Hopefully, he’s back in time to take maybe the second or third game. Either way, you know, this is a year for him to grow and learn and get his body the way he wants to get it and get ready to be the guy for a long time.”

A few months ago, several reports claimed that Rodgers didn’t want to sign with the Steelers because he wasn’t interested in taking on a mentor role in case the team drafted someone like Shedeur Sanders.

In the end, the Steelers chose to draft Howard in the sixth round, and so far, Rodgers has surprised everyone with the amount of help he’s given the rookie from Ohio State, even backing him as a potential franchise quarterback for the future in Pittsburgh.

Who is going to be starting quarterback for the Steelers?

Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the Steelers, but heading into the 2026 Draft, many reports claim that Pittsburgh has accumulated 12 picks in an effort to make a big move to draft a star prospect like Arch Manning or Drew Allar.

However, for several weeks now, Rodgers has hinted that the solution might already be in-house with Will Howard. This was Aaron’s response when asked at training camp to give his first assessment of the rookie and what has impressed him the most about the young player.

“I just like his approach. He’s a good kid. He cares about it. He works hard. He listens. He’s a good notetaker. He’s been picking my brain. I want to be a support system for him and pass on anything I can. I don’t want to overstep my bounds, but, if he wants to learn anything, pick my brain or be in my hip pocket, I’m all for it. So, I’m looking forward to growing that friendship. He has all the ability and the talent. When his time comes, I think he’s going to have a great chance to be a long-term guy in the league.”

“Will Howard is behind the eight ball big time in the sense that he was sixth-rounder. So, Will would have to play and play well. Otherwise, they’re probably going to go draft a quarterback high.”

The Steelers trust Aaron Rodgers as their solution for 2025 and have amassed significant draft capital with 2026 in mind. That could leave Howard in a dangerous limbo, unable to showcase his talent.

Who will be Steelers backup quarterback?

Mason Rudolph is the backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and that further complicates Will Howard’s situation, as he currently holds the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. Roethlisberger believes that if the Ohio State prospect doesn’t see any action, he could already be doomed for 2026.

“When they draft a quarterback high, they’ll most likely not going to put the sixth-rounder above a high draft pick. Otherwise it’s like, ‘Oh, we made a mistake.’ So, Will is going to be behind the eight. Even when he’s playing well, they’re not going to put him ahead of a high drafted dude. Will’s road is going to be tough here in Pittsburgh. Unless he gets a chance to get out there and he plays well right from the get go.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a must-watch franchise during this NFL offseason. From all the drama about signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers, to drafting Will Howard. Now, they have both signal-callers. One is a 41-year old legend, the other is a rookie. However, now that they share locker room, the younger one has spoken about life with A-Rod in the building.

Rodgers is a polarizing figure. While no one can deny what he’s done in his career, it’s his personality and out-of-the-box thinking that have rubbed many the wrong way. However, for Will Howard, that’s not the case.

The rookie spoke with CBS Sports. Not only has Rodgers left a surprising impression in the Steelers’ locker room, but for him personally, it’s been an incredible experience.

“He’s been so awesome to me so far,” Howard said. “Obviously, we’ve only gotten to be together for about three days, but I got a really good feeling about him, about this whole QB room. I think we already, in this past week, meshed really well, hit it off. I think we got a good vibe, good group. Aaron has been so willing to help me. He’s like, ‘Literally, as much or as little as you want me to help you, I’ll be there.’

Howard must learn from Rodgers

As Howard said, “He’s already given me tips, little things here and there in the meeting room, on the field, in my drops, different little things. Obviously, I can’t do the things that he can do mechanically, so I don’t want to replicate that too much because that’s pretty unique. But for the most part, everything I can learn from that guy is invaluable.” The rookie is trying to learn as much as he can from a Super Bowl-winning QB.

However, for the Steelers is really important Howard does so. They know Rodgers won’t be here for the long run, so having a rookie learn and digest what Rodgers has to offer is key. After all, it’s all setting up for Howard to inherit the Steelers QB1 role as soon as Rodgers leaves. That can be very soon, as A-Rod has a one-year contract with Pittsburgh.

Can Howard be what the Steelers need in the future?

Will Howard had a long college career. He played five seasons, but it was his last one that really put him on the map. His first four campaigns were at Kansas State. He transferred to Ohio State for 2024 and guided the Buckeyes all the way to the National Championship. He threw for 4,010 yards, completing 73% of his passes and had 35 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

These are promising numbers for him. That joined with having Aaron Rodgers as a mentor is a great combination for him to develop into what can be a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

“They’ve been awesome (first interactions with Rodgers). He’s a great mentor. He has already treated me with the outmost respect. He’s just been really good to me and, a guy like that, he doesn’t have to do that. So, I really just appreciate him being willing to kind of take me under his wing a little bit. Give me pointers and tips here and there.”

The Steelers’ plan is to compete for the Super Bowl in the 2025 season with Rodgers and then look for their quarterback of the future. Although there’s a lot of talk about recruiting a star in the 2026 Draft, Howard could earn that opportunity through his daily work.

Who will be Steelers starting quarterback?

Aaron Rodgers will be the starting quarterback for the Steelers and, with Mason Rudolph as the backup, Will Howard will have a full year to learn behind a future Hall of Famer.

“There’s already some things that he’s said to me that have already helped me. I’m just excited to learn as much as I can from that guy. Take everything that he says and put it in the bank. Just continue to learn every single day and get better because that’s what being a rookie is about.”