The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through two 2026 training camp practices so far, and the team is slowly taking shape. It is important not to read too deep into things that take place at the start of training camp, but this time of the year does give fans some idea of what the group might look like. One of the areas of the roster in Pittsburgh that fans are going to be paying close attention to is the quarterback room. The starter is going to be Aaron Rodgers and that part of the equation isn't in doubt, but how the rest of the room falls into place is completely up in the air.
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Will Howard talks with Aaron Rodgers before the Steelers’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in 2025.
Aside from Rodgers, the Steelers have two young bucks in the quarterback room in Will Howard and Drew Allar. This is going to be a developmental year for Allar, while Howard is going to be competing with Mason Rudolph for the backup job. Throughout the spring it seemed like Howard was going to be behind Rodgers to begin camp, but that abruptly changed on Tuesday when new Head Coach Mike McCarthy addressed the media.
Throughout the team's first practice of training camp on Wednesday it seemed like Howard didn't get a ton of opportunities as Rudolph led the second unit, but the former College Football National Champion turned some heads on Thursday.
One of Will Howard’s best throws of camp: He used a pump fake, stayed patient and hit Kaden Wetjen on a deep corner route for what would’ve been about a 30-yard touchdown during seven-on-seven work. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) July 30, 2026
It is no secret that Howard needs to perform on the same level as Rudolph or better in order to solidify his spot on the roster. The coaching staff needs to be confident that he can enter a game during the regular season if needed, and stacking good performances during training camp and in the preseason is going to be a critical piece of that.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in the Steelers rookie minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Based on reports from social media, Howard had several impressive throws during practice on Thursday. He is going to have to continue to do that throughout the rest of camp, and most importantly, is going to have to do that during the preseason games.
The second-year quarterback has never been on the field in the NFL after he injured his hand early on in training camp before the 2025 campaign. He missed most of camp and the entirety of the preseason. He is still shaking off some rust, but he seems to be moving in the right direction as he was given the chance to lead the second unit some on Thursday.
Will Howard moved the second-team offense well in two-minute work, completing passes to Robert Tonyan twice and Brandon Smith before Sebastian Castro intercepted a throw over the middle intended for Max Hurleman. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) July 30, 2026
That ends practice 2 of camp.
Howard was trusted to run the second unit. He moved the ball well in the two-minute drill, but the drive unfortunately ended in an interception. That is okay as quarterbacks are supposed to throw some picks in camp, but he is just going to have to make up for it in the coming days.
Steelers Will Likely Continue To Rotate Mason Rudolph And Will Howard
It seemed like Rudolph got the most of the reps with the second unit on Wednesday, and then Howard was worked in on Thursday. A rotation similar to that is probably going to be what occurs throughout the remainder of training camp. Howard is younger, and he is going to be given every opportunity to win the backup job. Rudolph's experience plays a large factor in the battle, but there is some intriguing untapped potential with Howard.
What do you think about Howard's second day of training camp? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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