Just as things were starting to click for Will Howard at Steelers training camp, the brakes slammed on. The rookie quarterback suffered a hand fracture that will keep him off the field for at least three weeks, per NFL Network.
Howard was making a strong case for himself as the primary backup to Aaron Rodgers, who joined the Steelers this offseason in one of the league’s most-watched quarterback moves. The former Ohio State star-fresh off a national championship-was earning praise across the board. Then came the injury report.
Rodgers, 41, didn’t sugarcoat it when asked how he felt about the situation. “It sucks, sucks for him for sure because he’s had such a nice camp as a young player,” Rodgers told TribLIVE’s Joe Rutter. “Watching him at minicamp and seeing his command of the offense… but this year is a growth year for him, a year to watch and learn.”
Pittsburgh’s QB Plan Just Got More Complicated
With Rodgers’ health history and Howard sidelined, the Steelers need answers fast.
Steelers fans have been cautiously optimistic about Rodgers’ arrival-tempered by the reality that he’s coming off a torn Achilles and entering his 20th NFL season. That’s why Howard’s development was so encouraging. He looked sharp. He looked confident. And most importantly, he looked ready.
Now, the reps he was expected to take in the preseason opener against Jacksonville on Saturday? Gone. That spotlight likely shifts to Mason Rudolph and undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels, who’ll be battling to show they belong behind Rodgers on the depth chart.
Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the setback but didn’t dwell on it. “It’s part of the game,” he said. “We’ll use it as an opportunity to evaluate other guys. Will’s still in meetings, still learning.”
That’s good news for Pittsburgh’s long-term plans. The injury isn’t season-ending, and Howard could still be back in time for Week 1. But it does raise the stakes for the rest of camp.
As The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly noted this week, “With Rodgers, the backup job isn’t just about clipboard duty-it’s one snap away from leading the offense.”
The Steelers open the regular season on September 7 in New Jersey, facing none other than Rodgers’ former team, the New York Jets. Until then, all eyes will be on how this QB room adapts-and whether Howard can pick up where he left off when he returns.
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