The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready for the 2025 season that will be led by the 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While all the attention has been on Rodgers, backup Mason Rudolph will stay ready should he be needed. Rudolph provides experience and stability behind Rodgers, giving the team confidence that the quarterback room is secure. The Steelers are hoping Rodgers can stay healthy and perform at a high level, but they are also preparing for any scenario where Rudolph would need to step in, ensuring the offense does not lose momentum.
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Steelers QB Will Howard during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Rookie quarterback Will Howard had been making noise as the likely QB3 before going down with an injury ahead of the first preseason game. Howard not getting any preseason action was far from ideal, as it would have been his first real opportunity to adjust to the Steelers’ offense in a live-game setting. The timing of his injury is frustrating for both the team and fans, as Howard had shown promise in practice and could have been a key developmental piece for the season. His absence means the Steelers have to adjust their plans for the third-string quarterback role while still nurturing his long-term potential.
On Thursday, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo revealed that he fully expects Howard to be placed on injured reserve for at least the first month of the season. That likely ensures Skylar Thompson will remain with the team as the third-string quarterback during that period.
"Well, just Mike Tomlin has a history of putting rookies on IR when they do not play in the preseason," Fittipaldo told 93.7 The Fan on Thursday. "He did it with Calvin Austin, he did it with Roman Wilson and he did it with Logan Lee last year. It’s just something that he does. He wants to have that evaluation of these guys in games. He is not gonna be able to do that with Will Howard."
Fittipaldo is solely predicting this based on historical evidence he has observed from Mike Tomlin.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
He pointed out how Tomlin has handled similar situations in the past with players such as Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson.
"The only difference with Will Howard is he is a quarterback," Fittipaldo said. "I brought this up before, number three quarterbacks do not usually play, but it did happen a couple of years ago with Duck Hodges. You know, number three quarterback, he comes back healthy Week 1. Maybe you can get away with it, but just with the way Mike Tomlin has operated in the past, I think Will Howard is going on IR for at least the first month of the season."
Thompson’s presence provides the Steelers with a capable option to fill the depth chart while Howard recovers. While the situation isn’t perfect, the team’s quarterback room remains functional, and the coaching staff can focus on integrating Rodgers and Rudolph while keeping an eye on Howard’s recovery and future role.
Steelers' Will Howard Can Come Back From IR
The Steelers could also use Thompson as trade value. He has improved his stock with his play in the preseason, and the team may be able to trade him while his value is rising.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' backup quarterback Skylar Thompson celebrates with his teammate wide receiver Ke'Shawn Williams after a nice play.
Putting Howard on IR while exploring trade opportunities for Thompson could be their strategy. Then, Howard can return from IR and hopefully continue his development if he stays healthy. Steelers fans will soon get to see Rodgers and this new look offense in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
What do you think about Howard possibly being placed on IR and Thompson making the roster as QB3? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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