Steelers' Will Howard Absolutely Needs To Be Activated Immediately: "Get Him Out There"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has played some excellent football over the first seven weeks of the season. Aaron Rodgers is currently in a third place tie for the most passing touchdowns in the league with 14, and the veteran quarterback has proven to still be a very solid option in his 21st NFL season. Rodgers continues to play a big role off the field throughout 2025 as well, as the veteran is an excellent mentor option for rookie quarterback Will Howard.

Howard was the Steelers' sixth round selection in the NFL Draft this year. The rookie was excellent during his time at Ohio State and played an essential role in the Buckeyes' National Championship run last season. He suffered a finger injury during training camp that has left him sidelined for 2025 thus far, but the rookie has continued to rehab and could be healthy very soon.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts on Howard's current injury status, as Kaboly believes Howard could be on the roster as the third string quarterback sooner rather than later.

"I'm not talking about reps. Put him in his uniform, and say we did this for the past 20 years of having three active, why all of a sudden are we only having two active?" Kaboly stated.

Kaboly continued to talk about Rodgers' potential plans after this season, as the insider would like to see Howard get some experience in as a third string option should Rodgers opt to not return in 2026.

"I want if Aaron Rodgers doesn't come back next year, to at least have Will Howard feeling good about himself and at least get an opportunity," Kaboly explained. "Right now, he's not. I'm just saying activate him and get him out there."

Howard was projected to get plenty of playing time throughout the preseason prior to his injury. The rookie fractured his finger in early August just a few days before preseason, and many fans were extremely disappointed with the timing of the injury. The Steelers currently have Rodgers and Mason Rudolph as the lone quarterbacks on the roster, but Kaboly believes Howard should be added as a third string option when the rookie is fully healthy.

Howard was an excellent selection in the sixth round given the available talent. The rookie was originally projected to go much higher, but the Steelers were able to take full advantage and capitalize on the former Buckeye still being available. Rodgers and Rudolph will remain as the starting and second string options throughout the 2025 season, but Howard could emerge as an emergency third string quarterback when healthy.

Steelers May Add A Receiver For Rodgers Prior To The Deadline

Pittsburgh has been rumored to trade for a wide receiver since training camp. A number of different teams have made their top receivers available, as the Las Vegas Raiders have been rumored to trade Jakobi Meyers to a contender prior to the trade deadline. Meyers is an excellent wide receiver that would fit perfectly behind DK Metcalf, and Rodgers would have another explosive weapon at his disposal should General Manager Omar Khan and his staff make a move for the veteran.

Meyers has quietly put together a very consistent seven-year career. The receiver has been rather vocal about his time in Las Vegas, and Meyers has publicly requested a trade from the organization. Pittsburgh would prove to be a great fit for Meyers and Rodgers would have two dangerous weapons to work with in Metcalf and Meyers on the outside.

Howard is expected to continue rehabbing his injury until the rookie feels 100% healthy. Brining in a new weapon will benefit Pittsburgh's entire QB room, so fans should be on the lookout in coming weeks. Pittsburgh will face the Green Bay Packers this weekend on Sunday Night Football as Rodgers and the rest of the offense will look to stay hot.

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