Steelers Receive Promising Update On Will Howard Following His Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best draft classes in football entering the 2025 season. Pittsburgh selected Derrick Harmon in the first round, as Harmon was widely regarded as a top defensive prospect from his class. The Steelers then selected former Iowa star Kaleb Johnson in the third round, as Johnson played a crucial role in the Hawkeyes' success throughout his time with the program. Pittsburgh was credited with one of the biggest steals of the draft as well, as the Steelers were able to select Will Howard in the sixth round.

Howard, who spent time at both Kansas State and Ohio State during his college career, is a promising young quarterback who thrived on the college level. Howard led the Buckeyes to a National Championship last season, as the promising rookie was expected to make his Steelers debut this Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to suffering an injury at training camp. Howard reportedly suffered a broken hand during practice on Tuesday, as the rookie is now expected to miss at least the next three weeks.

Steelers fans still may get the chance to see Howard play in the preseason, however, as Head Coach Mike Tomlin took a moment to share an update on Howard's injury.

"I would characterize it as week-to-week at this juncture," Tomlin stated. 

Tomlin was then asked if Howard could still potentially play in the preseason, as the Steelers' head coach was able to give an extremely promising answer.

"Certainly," said Tomlin.

Tomlin's response is a great sign, as Howard was originally considered to be out for the entire preseason. Howard is not expected to see time on the field throughout the regular season, as many feel like the preseason was the rookie's only true chance at proving himself this year. The former Ohio State star is considered to be week-to-week for now, as Coach Tomlin and his staff remain optimistic that the rookie can return in the near future.

Howard should benefit from playing behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph as well, as both veteran quarterbacks are expected to serve as excellent mentors for the promising rookie. Rodgers, who signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh worth up to just under $20 million, is a four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback that could help Howard both on and off the field. Rudolph is expected to aid in Howard's development as well, as the five year veteran spent the majority of his career in Pittsburgh and may serve as an excellent mentor.

Steelers Sign Logan Woodside Following Will Howard's Injury

With Howard officially considered to be week-to-week, the Steelers announced earlier on Thursday that they have signed quarterback Logan Woodside. Woodside, who played under Arthur Smith in both Atlanta and Tennessee, is a veteran who will serve as the Steelers' fourth string quarterback until Howard presumably returns. Woodside could make his debut on Saturday in Jacksonville, but Skylar Thompson is widely expected to play in the first half.

Thompson, who has appeared in just ten games throughout his career with the Miami Dolphins, is a 28 year old quarterback that will look to take full advantage of his opportunities throughout the preseason. Both Thompson and Woodside may split time, as Rodgers and Rudolph will more than likely make their debut at a later date. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on Woodside and Thompson throughout the preseason, as both quarterbacks will look to work their way up the depth chart.

Tomlin's update on Howard is an extremely positive sign moving forward, as the rookie quarterback may still see time on the field this year after all. Howard has officially been listed as week-to-week, as fans should continue to keep a close eye on the former Buckeye throughout the upcoming weeks. With the Steelers' first preseason game of the year set to kick off in Jacksonville on Saturday, the team remains optimistic that Howard will return in the near future.

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