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What former head coach Mike Tomlin would call a good problem to have, the Pittsburgh Steelers have four quarterbacks on their roster and likely only three spots available on the 53-man roster. And unfortunately for Will Howard, the odds may favor Mason Rudolph.
From now to the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Howard and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
After leading his Ohio State Buckeyes to their second-ever College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024, Howard was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite showing a lot of promise at OTAs and training camp, Howard broke his finger and missed the entire 2025 NFL preseason.
Spending the entire 2025 season under Rodgers' tutelage, Howard seemed like he was being groomed to eventually take over following his mentor's retirement. But that idea became far more complicated this offseason.
We at Steelers Wire were convinced Howard would at least get a shot at the starting quarterback job after Rodgers retired after the 2026 season. But after multiple reports suggested Rudolph is a favorite to win the backup quarterback job over the next few months, Howard's spot on the roster doesn't seem as secure.
There's zero shot the Steelers part ways with Drew Allar after he was selected in the third round of last April's draft. And that leaves Howard as the odd man out of a four-player quarterback room. Some insiders like Mark Kaboly believe Howard could be stashed on the practice squad, but disaster could easily strike if another NFL team decides to sign him to their active roster.
Hopefully, Howard can put this noise to bed with a stellar performance during training camp and the preseason, potentially leaving Rudolph on the outside looking in.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Is Will Howard a practice squad candidate?
Continue reading...
From now to the start of the regular season, we at Steelers Wire will be analyzing every player on the roster. Here's a look at Howard and what could be in store for his 2026 season.
At a glance
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 235 pounds
- Age: 24 years old
- NFL experience: 2
Career with the Steelers
After leading his Ohio State Buckeyes to their second-ever College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024, Howard was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Despite showing a lot of promise at OTAs and training camp, Howard broke his finger and missed the entire 2025 NFL preseason.
Spending the entire 2025 season under Rodgers' tutelage, Howard seemed like he was being groomed to eventually take over following his mentor's retirement. But that idea became far more complicated this offseason.
What's next in 2026?
We at Steelers Wire were convinced Howard would at least get a shot at the starting quarterback job after Rodgers retired after the 2026 season. But after multiple reports suggested Rudolph is a favorite to win the backup quarterback job over the next few months, Howard's spot on the roster doesn't seem as secure.
There's zero shot the Steelers part ways with Drew Allar after he was selected in the third round of last April's draft. And that leaves Howard as the odd man out of a four-player quarterback room. Some insiders like Mark Kaboly believe Howard could be stashed on the practice squad, but disaster could easily strike if another NFL team decides to sign him to their active roster.
Hopefully, Howard can put this noise to bed with a stellar performance during training camp and the preseason, potentially leaving Rudolph on the outside looking in.
For up-to-date Steelers coverage, including any offseason moves, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers roster spotlight: Is Will Howard a practice squad candidate?
Continue reading...
