Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Week to Week with Broken Finger

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard suffered a broken finger on his right (throwing) hand during training camp, which is expected to sideline him for roughly three to four weeks without requiring surgery. Coach Mike Tomlin has designated Howard as week-to-week, and the injury will likely keep him out for the entire preseason, with Skylar Thompson taking his reps behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. The injury's timing and Howard's limited practice reps could lead to a redshirt season, seriously impacting his development and reducing his chances to compete for a future starting job. The Steelers face a roster decision on whether to place Howard on injured reserve, which could cause him to miss the first four games of the regular season, complicating the use of the team's limited IR-return designations. Analysts suggest that with the Steelers stockpiling draft picks for a first-round quarterback in 2026, Howard's long-term outlook with the team is uncertain. Despite the setback, Howard can still benefit from learning behind veteran quarterbacks while he recovers.