Steelers' Will Howard Rejects Drew Allar Narrative Before Intense Jets Audition

The Pittsburgh Steelers are giving quarterback Will Howard an enormous opportunity during their second preseason game against the New York Jets. Mike McCarthy announced that Howard will start Friday night, while rookie Drew Allar will handle the remaining quarterback work.

Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will not be active. Rodgers is firmly established as Pittsburgh's starter, while McCarthy indicated that he has already seen what he needed from Rudolph. That leaves Howard and Allar with an entire game to produce valuable NFL tape.

Howard starting should not be interpreted as evidence that he has moved ahead of Allar in Pittsburgh's long-term plans. McCarthy drafted Allar, while Howard arrived under the previous regime and is already one year further into his NFL development. The decision shows that McCarthy has urgency to evaluate Howard, but it does not reveal anything definitive about the competition. Howard spoke about the chance to show the fans what he can do.

"I'm just excited to go out there and get another opportunity, man," Howard said while speaking with Steelers insider Mark Kaboly. "I just want to show myself, this fan base and everybody that I am capable of playing at this level. I'm excited to continue that progression and growth."

Howard completed seven of his nine passes for 86 yards during Pittsburgh's 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. His best work came during a two-minute drive that ended with the Steelers reaching the end zone before halftime. The drive was encouraging, but Kaboly offered important context afterward. Howard had practiced that exact type of situation repeatedly throughout the offseason. His success still mattered, but he was operating within circumstances that had become extremely familiar.

Friday presents a different challenge. Howard must demonstrate that he can command an NFL offense immediately, manage an entire portion of the game and make intelligent decisions when the situation does not perfectly match something rehearsed in practice. 

Another reporter asked Howard whether the decision to play only him and Allar crystallized the competition between Pittsburgh's young quarterbacks. Howard refused to make the night about his teammate.

"It's me versus me every day," Howard said. "I'm just trying to get better every single day. The competition comes in at the end of the day. We let the decision-makers make those decisions. All I can control is what I do."

That is the correct mentality for Howard. He cannot control the organization's investment in Allar, Rudolph's experience or Rodgers' established position atop the depth chart. He can only force McCarthy and the Steelers to reevaluate him by consistently executing the offense.

Steelers Must Make Difficult Quarterback Decision

Pittsburgh should ideally keep both Howard and Allar as developmental quarterbacks behind Rodgers. They represent two different opportunities to build a future beyond the 2026 season, and exposing either player to waivers could allow another organization to claim him. However, the Steelers appear determined to retain Rudolph as insurance. Rodgers will turn 43 during the season, making it understandable that Pittsburgh wants an experienced backup who has already demonstrated that he can enter difficult situations and manage games.

That preference creates a numbers problem. Carrying four quarterbacks on the 53-man roster would consume a spot that could otherwise help Pittsburgh retain depth at another position. Attempting to move Howard to the practice squad would also become increasingly risky if he performs well against the Jets.

Howard does not need to produce a collection of spectacular highlights Friday. The more important evaluation will be whether he controls the huddle, processes the defense, protects the football and responds properly when the original play breaks down. Allar remains the quarterback McCarthy personally selected, and one preseason start does not change that reality. This game is about determining exactly how much Howard has developed and whether Pittsburgh can risk allowing him to leave. Howard says it is him against himself. If he plays well enough, the Steelers may find themselves competing against the rest of the NFL to keep him. It does seem more likely than not, though, that they keep four QBs after all.

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