Steelers Now Facing Backup QB Dilemma In Wake Of Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers just lost their rookie quarterback at the worst possible time.

Will Howard suffered a fractured bone in his throwing hand during practice, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Surgery is not expected, but Howard is likely out for at least three weeks, which could cost him the rest of the preseason.

It is a blow to Howard’s development and a complication for Pittsburgh’s depth chart. The sixth-round pick out of Ohio State had impressed early in camp and was holding the third spot behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.

Now, the Steelers will need to figure out how to get through August without him and how to manage their QB3 slot heading into the regular season.

That matters more than it might seem. With Rodgers entering his age-41 season, the margin for error at quarterback is slim. Any injury at the top could force someone further down the depth chart into live action fast. Pittsburgh needs its backups to be ready, not just available.

Skylar Thompson is the next man up, but his roster status is complicated. Because he lacks vested veteran status, waiving him to stash on the practice squad carries real risk. Another team could easily claim him, leaving the Steelers thin behind Rodgers and Rudolph.

If Howard’s absence stretches deep into camp, Pittsburgh may need to bring in outside help. A familiar name like Logan Woodside, who has worked under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, could offer a quick study option, according to Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot.

For now, Howard’s future is not in jeopardy, but his preseason likely is. And the timing could not be worse for a player expected to grow behind the scenes this fall while learning from one of the NFL’s most experienced signal-callers.

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