The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to take down the Green Bay Packers in the team's first preseason game of the 2026 season on Thursday night. The final score wasn't pretty for Green Bay as it was 28-9 in Pittsburgh's favor, and the Steelers' offense was able to move the ball downfield at will for most of the contest. Aaron Rodgers did not play in the game, but all three of the quarterbacks who got under center for the Steelers looked good in the matchup. Fans finally got to see the much-anticipated debut of second-year signal-caller Will Howard, and he did not disappoint.
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Steelers quarterback Will Howard gets ready to unleash a pass as he runs through a drill during the annual Friday Night Lights practice in 2025.
Howard took the field in an NFL uniform for the first time on Thursday. He entered the game in the second quarter, and he played one drive in the second half as well. He looked a bit sluggish at times due to a lack of protection, but he wound up having a nice night. He ended up completing seven of his nine passes for 86 yards, and he did have a touchdown called back upon review.
What was initially ruled a touchdown was a nice throw over the top of the defense to tight end Robert Tonyan. Tonyan leaped to make the catch, and he wound up being ruled down at the one-yard line after a review.
The second-year quarterback had a great connection with Tonyan throughout the time they were on the field together, and Howard was asked about that during his press conference after the game. He took a little shot at Green Bay while answering.
"I think Bobby is a h*ll of a football player," Howard said. "It's crazy that, you know, Green Bay let him walk, but I'm thankful that he is here. He can still play like he did in 2020 with Aaron and 2021. He's a great piece to have around here. We already have Pat [Freiermuth] and we have Darnell [Washington], but to have a third guy like that in the room is huge. He kind of turned into my go-to guy tonight, which was great."
Tonyan caught four passes for 61 yards in the game on Thursday night, and all of that production came while Howard was throwing the football. The two looked great together and almost connected for a touchdown. He will be a depth piece by the time the season rolls around, but there is no doubting his ability to contribute if he is needed to.
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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Robert Tonyan (83) during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Tonyan played with the Packers for six seasons, and he caught double-digit touchdowns from Rodgers during the 2020 season. That had him tied for the league lead among tight ends. He played two more seasons in Green Bay before hitting free agency, and he then signed with the Chicago Bears. He has bounced around the league since then, but he is reuniting with Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Howard's subtle jab at Green Bay was noticeable, but he is happy the veteran tight end is now in Pittsburgh for the 2026 season.
Steelers' Tonyan Seems Like A Lock To Make The Roster
When Tonyan initially tried out during minicamp and then was signed, it seemed like he might have an outside chance to make the roster. Now, it seems like he is a lock. His past with Rodgers helps, but he is a reliable third option that is needed behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. He is also a great veteran presence to have in the building and in the tight end room, and he learned a lot during the 2025 season from being in the same room as Travis Kelce.
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