Steelers Fans Likely To See Rookie QB Will Howard In Uniform Sooner Than Expected

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been placing a Band-Aid on the quarterback position for the last several seasons ever since the retirement of longtime quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. The organization turned the entire quarterback room over for the second consecutive season during the 2025 offseason, and four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers was brought in to be the starter. He has played exceptionally well throughout the team's first six games of the year as Pittsburgh has gotten out to a 4-2 start, but fans still can't feel good about the future of the position past the 2025 season.

Rodgers has played better than most thought he would entering the 2025 season, but figuring out the future of the position is still a priority for Pittsburgh. The 2026 draft class does not look as promising as some thought it would entering the 2025 college football season, which means the Steelers might be in a similar spot next year. The franchise did spend a selection on the quarterback position during the 2025 NFL Draft as the organization brought in Will Howard, but the rookie has not been on the field since training camp and has been on Injured Reserve ever since. That could change soon, especially after the release of Logan Woodside.

Howard was injured in Latrobe while taking an under center snap, and Skylar Thompson was placed on IR after the season began for Pittsburgh. Woodside's release means one of those two will be activated off of IR in the near future to be inserted as the emergency third quarterback on game days. Fans should be aware that the quarterback coming back could very well also be Thompson.

Thompson was an afterthought for most when it came to Pittsburgh's final roster. He was expected to be cut, but he performed well throughout the preseason and earned a spot. The injury to Howard also aided in that. The rookie could not get on the field throughout the preseason due to his injury, and fans are anxious to see what he can provide to the organization. 

Howard has not been able to practice at all since training camp, which is concerning as this was seen as a developmental year for the young quarterback. He was likely never going to see any meaningful game action with Rodgers and Mason Rudolph ahead of him on the depth chart, but practice time could be valuable in helping him take the necessary steps towards becoming a starting quarterback in the NFL in the future.

The rookie has been thought to be healthy for a while now, yet fans are still waiting for him to be activated. It does not make sense for the organization to keep him on IR as it will only hurt his development, especially since this is a quarterback who could be relied upon to play during the 2026 season. The Woodside release at least opens the opportunity for Howard to get on the practice field, should the organization choose to allow him.

Steelers' Quarterback Situation Will Be Interesting Heading Into 2026

Rodgers has played well in 2025, but he could retire following the season. He hasn't committed to doing anything after his one-year deal is up with Pittsburgh, but calling it a career is certainly on the table. Rudolph and Howard are both under contract for the 2026 season, and a battle between those two for the starting job is a strong possibility of what could happen. The Steelers could also pursue a quarterback at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft, which could make for a three-way battle in Latrobe in 2026.

Do you think Howard will get activated off of IR in the near future? Let us know in the comments below!

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