Steelers Receive Bad News On Rookie QB Will Howard's Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Landing a quarterback with College Championship experience that late in the draft looked like a potential steal. Howard came in with a strong arm, good mobility, and the kind of leadership that had the coaching staff excited about his long-term upside.

Through the early stages of rookie camp, Howard had been one of the standout performers. He impressed with his command of the offense and his ability to make plays in and out of the pocket. With veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph ahead of him on the depth chart, Howard was expected to spend his rookie season developing, but he was already making the most of his opportunities.

Unfortunately, Howard suffered an injury during practice on Tuesday. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, he’s expected to miss about three weeks. While it’s not a long-term issue, the timing is tough as it interrupts his early momentum and limits his reps during a crucial part of his development. The Steelers remain optimistic he’ll return quickly.

Steelers legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made it clear on his podcast how he felt about the team’s decision to draft Howard. He praised the pick, calling it incredible value for a player who had just led his college team to a resilient National Championship victory. For Roethlisberger, Howard's leadership and poise under pressure stood out as traits that translate well to the NFL.

Roethlisberger didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, saying he’s a big fan of Howard’s game. He pointed to the quarterback's arm strength, toughness, and ability to make plays in critical moments as reasons for his confidence in the rookie. According to Roethlisberger, getting someone with that kind of experience and upside in the sixth round was a smart move by the Steelers.

Ultimately, Roethlisberger believes Howard has not only the physical tools to succeed but also the mental toughness needed to thrive in Pittsburgh. He expressed genuine excitement about watching the young quarterback grow, noting that Howard has real long-term potential with the team. However, Roethlisberger also emphasized how crucial it would be for Howard to get off to a strong start in his rookie campaign.

Steelers' Will Howard Expected To Miss Roughly 3 Weeks With Injury

That was exactly what Howard was doing before the injury interrupted his progress. While the good news is that he will not need surgery, the timing is unfortunate and could have a significant impact on his development. The Steelers' first preseason game is on Saturday, and Howard will be unable to play, missing out on valuable game reps that are essential for a rookie quarterback.

This setback, while not catastrophic, arrives at a critical point in Howard’s growth. He had been gaining momentum and earning the trust of the coaching staff, and every rep was helping him take the next step. Missing time now could slow that progress and delay his chances of climbing the depth chart. The Steelers remain optimistic, but the injury is certainly a frustrating obstacle for Howard. 

Howard was performing well and had quickly become a fan favorite. The energy surrounding him in Pittsburgh doesn’t even reflect his late-round draft status. Fans are so high on Howard, you would think he was a first-round pick.

Now, with Howard sidelined, all eyes will turn to Rudolph and Skylar Thompson in the preseason. Their performances will be under the spotlight as the Steelers evaluate their quarterback depth heading into the regular season.

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