Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard is expected to miss at least three weeks after suffering a hand injury during a training camp practice, NFL Network reports.
Howard fractured a “small bone” in his hand, and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin believes the injury occurred during a center-quarterback exchange.
Impact on Preseason and Regular Season
The injury comes just as the Steelers were preparing for their first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Although Howard’s timeline suggests he could return around the start of the regular season, missing valuable preseason time could impact his chances to secure a role on the team.
The rookie QB was expected to see significant action in the preseason, especially with the ongoing competition for the backup quarterback spot.
Depth Chart and Position Battle
Before the injury, Howard was competing for a spot on the Steelers’ quarterback depth chart. He was listed third, behind newly signed Aaron Rodgers, who joined the team in June on a one-year deal, and veteran backup Mason Rudolph.
Howard had been performing well in training camp, though, ahead of Skylar Thompson, a 2022 seventh-round pick who spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Will Howard’s College Career
Selected by the Steelers with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard had a strong college career. A former All-Big 12 selection at Kansas State, he transferred to Ohio State for his final season.
Howard led the Buckeyes to a victory over Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff National Championship, where he was named the game’s offensive MVP. He racked up 288 total yards and two touchdowns in the championship game.
In his lone season with Ohio State, Howard set a single-season school record with a 73% completion rate, passing for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. Additionally, he rushed for seven touchdowns and finished his senior year with a 14-2 record as a starter.
Will Howard’s hand injury is a setback for the rookie quarterback as he competes for a role on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster. Although he is expected to return after missing valuable preseason time, the injury could affect his ability to showcase his skills in the upcoming games.
The Steelers will now rely on Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph as their top two quarterbacks heading into the 2025 season.
