Steelers Offer Update On Injury To Rookie Backup QB

Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard does not have a broken hand — just a broken finger on his throwing hand.

That update, confirmed Wednesday by head coach Mike Tomlin, changes the outlook slightly for Howard, who is now considered “week to week” after suffering the injury during a quarterback-center exchange Tuesday at Saint Vincent College. He has already been ruled out for Saturday’s preseason game in Jacksonville and is still exploring whether surgery will be necessary.

“Regarding Will’s hand injury, he’s got a broken finger,” Tomlin said, as quoted by Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. “It can be characterized as week to week. He’s looking at his options.”

Initial reports indicated Howard had fractured a bone in his hand and could miss at least three weeks. The injury specifically involved Howard’s pinky finger, as clarified Wednesday by The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. Surgery remains on the table, but for now, the team expects a non-surgical recovery plan.

The setback robs Howard of valuable preseason reps in his first NFL camp. The former Ohio State standout had climbed to third on the Steelers depth chart after a strong start to training camp. The sixth-round pick was expected to see extended action in August, beginning with the matchup against the Jaguars.

With Aaron Rodgers firmly in place as QB1, the Steelers still view Howard as a long-term project. But the team’s depth situation behind Rodgers becomes even more important with the rookie unavailable. Mason Rudolph remains the backup, and Skylar Thompson has now stepped into the third spot. Because Thompson lacks vested veteran status, Pittsburgh risks losing him to waivers if it tries to move him to the practice squad.

If Howard’s recovery stretches deep into camp, Pittsburgh may consider bringing in another quarterback. One potential option, according to Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot, is Logan Woodside, who previously worked with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

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