The Pittsburgh Steelers' 28-9 victory over the Green Bay Packers in their preseason opener was one that showed some very encouraging signs for fans. Now new head coach Mike McCarthy, who was coaching against one of his former teams, has his team busy at practice this week ahead of their second preseason game against the New York Jets. Along with numerous rookies that he and his coaching staff need to evaluate ahead of the 2026 NFL regular season, there are also a lot of new faces following the organization's aggressive approach in free agency. However, one of those returning players will not be playing in the game on Friday.
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Steelers' Mike McCarthy speaks with an official during his first time coaching the Steelers in the preseason.
On Tuesday, McCarthy revealed that veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph would not be getting the start in preseason game number two. Instead, second-year quarterback Will Howard was named the starter, as McCarthy wants to see more out of the youngster while also citing the team knows what they have in Rudolph. Rookie Drew Allar turned some heads against Green Bay, albeit against backups, and will receive playing time following Howard versus the Jets.
On Wednesday, the former Ohio State quarterback spoke with team reporters about his mindset and thought process ahead of this big opportunity per a post on X from 93.7 The Fan. Following a 2025 NFL rookie season in which he never saw playing time due to injury, this is a big step for the potential future of Howard becoming an NFL starter. He will get to go up against at least some of the first-team defenders in New York.
“Be brilliant in the basics and wait for that opportunity to come,” Howard said. “I wasn’t searching for that ball over the middle of the field, it just kind of happened. You know, too high on kangaroo down the middle, it’s a great option. I think that’s really what you have to do to get those big plays, not reach, not force. Take the game as it comes to you.”
The "too high on kangaroo" comment comes following a pass in Wednesday's practice. However, the context of it ties perfectly into the mindset he needs to have in his first NFL start, despite it just being preseason. In Thursday's contest, he played for the first time in over a year and a half given his injury. The most recent game before then came as he led the Buckeyes to a 2024 National Championship.
Steelers Could See A Glimpse Into The Future At Quarterback
While both young quarterbacks have knocks against them, McCarthy is known for coaching some of the NFL all-time greats at the position. That includes guys like Brett Favre and Joe Montana throughout his storied NFL coaching career. The other factor playing into these two young quarterbacks' hands is they get a year to learn under Aaron Rodgers, something Howard had the advantage of doing in 2025 as well, despite the injury.
Former Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch discussed how Howard was able to make an amazing throw look boring. The one worry about his game, despite the National Championship in his final college season, was how he could perform under pressure at the next level. Friday will present him with a great chance to prove exactly what he can do whenever put under that pressure, given the step up in talent on the field with his start.
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Steelers' Will Howard warms up alongside Drew Allar for a preseason game in 2026.
The Black and Gold desperately need to find their next franchise quarterback, especially considering this is Rodgers' final NFL season. For years, the Steelers have had stopgap quarterbacks in place following the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. With the ability of McCarthy to run potent NFL offenses on top of being able to grow ando develop quarterbacks, continued strong play from the two youngsters will strengthen their cases to be given a long look for the 2027 season. For Howard, he has a chance to really start to put a stamp on that with him getting the start on Friday night.
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