The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most interesting quarterback rooms in the NFL, and that became even more clear after the Steelers' first preseason game of the 2026 season. Pittsburgh defeated the Green Bay Packers by a score of 28-9, and every iteration of the offense that took the field was able to move the ball down the field fairly efficiently. Every quarterback played in the game besides Aaron Rodgers, and they all looked good. Drew Allar was the star of the show, but Will Howard and Mason Rudolph also looked great lining up under center.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers' Mason Rudolph warms up prior to the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers in 2026.
Rudolph started the game against Green Bay for the Steelers and he played the entire first quarter and a little bit of the second as he finished up a drive. This drove some fans crazy as the fan base wanted to see the young guys play, and Rudolph starting the game just ate into the opportunity for both Howard and Allar. The team should already know what Rudolph can do. It is a new coaching staff, but this is his eighth season with the franchise. He is maybe an average backup quarterback in the NFL, and there is nothing more there. The fans care about the future of the position, and that potentially lies with Howard and Allar.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy spoke to the media on Wednesday before practice, and he shared that the Steelers will be sitting both Rodgers and Rudolph in the team's second preseason game on Friday night against the New York Jets.
"Yeah, we're going to play the two young guys for the Jets game, that's going to be our focus," McCarthy said. "Will Howard will go first. I think you understand they're young, Will didn't get to play last year. Drew's a first-year player, we've got two veterans I feel really good about with Aaron and Mason. Saw what I needed to see from Mason last week, I've talked highly about Mason really since the spring. I really want to max out the opportunities with both Will and Drew."
This might not be the best news for Steelers fans who have been rooting against Rudolph for whatever reason as it likely means he is making the team and he is going to be the top backup to Rodgers going into the 2026 season. The coaching staff has already seen what it needs to from him, while this gives the group an extended look at both Howard and Allar.
Barry Reeger / Imagn Images
Steelers' Will Howard warms up alongside Drew Allar for a preseason game in 2026.
The Steelers seem content to keep four quarterbacks entering the 2026 season, which is a bit unorthodox. Rudolph has the backup experience that might be considered necessary behind a 42-year-old starting quarterback, while neither Howard nor Allar have stepped on an NFL field for a meaningful game. The lack of experience between the two younger quarterbacks is the only real reason to be obsessed with keeping a player like Rudolph, who has shown what he can do in the past.
Steelers Can Still Move On From A Quarterback
The Steelers may still be able to move on from either Rudolph or Howard. If Howard plays well enough in the preseason, the coaching staff might feel comfortable enough to make him the backup to Rodgers. This may open up a trade opportunity for Rudolph, who would return more value than Howard would. One team to keep an eye on in this regard is the Miami Dolphins. Their quarterback room is not good at all as they have an unproven starter, but the room also lacks depth. Rudolph would bring in some more experience, and he is a guy they can start if necessary.
It is more than likely that all four quarterbacks could make the roster, but a team could make an offer for Rudolph that Pittsburgh couldn't refuse.
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