Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Out Weeks With Hand Injury

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard, who had shown impressive development during training camp and was viewed as a promising future franchise QB, suffered a fractured small bone in his throwing hand that will sideline him for the entire preseason. The injury, confirmed to not require surgery, forces the Steelers to rely on Mason Rudolph, Skylar Thompson, and potentially a newly signed free agent to fill the quarterback depth chart during Howard's absence. Howard had been rapidly progressing, moving from a lower priority in reps to working with the first team, showing poise, accuracy, and pocket mobility praised highly by quarterbacks coach Tom Arth. Arth expressed strong confidence in Howard's character, football IQ, and potential for a successful NFL career, noting that the moment is never too big for him and that he relates well to teammates. With veteran Aaron Rodgers likely to see limited preseason action, the Steelers are expected to seek additional quarterback support to back up Rudolph and Thompson. Despite this setback, Howard remains a key part of the Steelers’ long-term plans, but his preseason injury complicates the team's quarterback situation heading into the season.