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Will Howard
QB · PIT

Will Howard

Position QB
Team PIT
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Will Howard

NFL player. Position: QB. Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers).

Quick Facts

  • Position: QB
  • Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Background: Transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State; led Buckeyes through College Football Playoff run
  • Status: Competing for backup QB2 role behind Aaron Rodgers

2026 Outlook

Howard is a rookie competing with Mason Rudolph for the Steelers' backup QB role behind Aaron Rodgers. Head coach Mike McCarthy has praised his upside, citing sneaky athleticism, a prototypical NFL frame, and excellent accuracy on downfield throws from his final college season. While he doesn't possess elite arm talent, he has sufficient arm strength for NFL-level play. Howard's key advantage is his proven ability to learn new offensive systems quickly—he successfully transitioned from Kansas State to Ohio State and now faces his third different playbook in as many years. This flexibility could level the playing field against Rudolph's experience (per Will Howard's Familiar Challenge Could Help Him Win Steelers QB2 Job at Camp).

After missing the entire preseason last year due to a hand injury, 2026 represents Howard's first opportunity to showcase his development in live competition. He participated in OTAs and training camp drills last summer but never took a preseason snap, leaving questions about his real-world readiness. This preseason will be his first real test facing opposing defenses, and coaching staff expect some early rust given he hasn't played competitive football since the national championship game (per Will Howard's Familiar Challenge Could Help Him Win Steelers QB2 Job at Camp).

In his preseason debut vs. Green Bay, Howard was 7 of 9 for 86 yards in three series, capping his appearance with a well-orchestrated two-minute TD drive before halftime. McCarthy praised his response to long down-and-distances and highlighted the two-minute drill execution as "outstanding," affirming Howard's competitive growth. (per Steelers' McCarthy lauds play of Howard, Allar in win).

Preseason Week 3 (Aug 28): In the season finale vs. Buffalo (28-27 Steelers loss), Howard started and played the entire first half, going 9-of-15 for 69 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT. CBS Sports analysis notes Howard was more accurate than Drew Allar (66.7% completion vs. Allar's 55.6%) and threw more TDs than INTs overall, but was sacked more often and had a lower passer rating (67.1 vs. Allar's 87.8). If the Steelers alter their four-QB plan between now and the 53-man roster deadline, CBS projects Howard would be the "odd man out"—most likely to be cut or traded rather than benched. His raw talent (strong arm, natural leader, tireless worker) is overshadowed by inconsistent decision-making and poor play speed under pressure. However, McCarthy views the four-QB strategy as maximizing 2026's contention window while developing Howard and Allar for the post-Rodgers era, making it likely both young QBs will remain on the roster (per Steelers appear set on keeping four quarterbacks, but who is the odd man out if that decision changes? - CBS Sports)

Backup QB (PIT). Competing with Drew Allar for the QB3 role behind Aaron Rodgers (QB1) and Mason Rudolph (QB2). McCarthy has Howard splitting reps with Allar during the No. 3 team drills; both are likely to make the 53-man roster. In preseason Week 2 vs. Jets, Howard started the game while Rodgers and Rudolph sat, giving Howard extended first-string reps early in the contest (per Steelers news: Aaron Rodgers isn't playing, but is QB decision a hint at depth chart?).

Injury Status

Head injury evaluation (Aug 28, preseason Week 3): Howard suffered a head injury in Thursday's preseason game vs. Buffalo and is being evaluated for a potential concussion. He did not complete postgame interviews and was removed from the game after reporting the injury to medical staff during the second half. If confirmed as a concussion, he could begin the season on injured reserve. Steelers' four-QB plan would be simplified to Rodgers, Rudolph, and Drew Allar competing for the top three spots. Howard's injury history continues—he spent most of the 2025 season on injured reserve due to a hand injury sustained in training camp, suggesting durability concerns for the young QB. (per Steelers QB Will Howard being evaluated for head injury)

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Can Howard establish himself as the clear-choice backup over Mason Rudolph in training camp and preseason?
  • How will his athleticism and accuracy translate in live NFL competition after missing last preseason to injury?

Sources

Coaches shaping Will's role

Mike McCarthyHead CoachBrian AngelichioOffensive CoordinatorJason SimmonsDefensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksJahri EvansAssistant Offensive Line CoachJames CampenOffensive Line CoachTim BerbenichGame Management/QuarterbacksTom ArthQuarterbacks Coach

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