Why Steelers’ Will Howard Is Thrilled About Returning To Practice

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard returned to practice on Thursday and seemed excited to get back out there.

“It was like all that joy of being a little kid playing football again came back,” Howard said on Thursday, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “It was scout team, I handed the ball off. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled more on two handoff plays in my life.”

Howard has been out since he injured his throwing hand during training camp, but on Wednesday, Pittsburgh opened his 21-day practice window from injured reserve.

The Steelers drafted Howard in the sixth round this year. He seemed in line to compete for the starting quarterback job until Pittsburgh signed Aaron Rodgers in June.

Rodgers has had an impressive start to the season, throwing for 1,270 yards and 14 touchdowns in just six games. As a result, Howard will probably remain on the sidelines unless Rodgers suffers an unfortunate injury.

Rodgers will turn 42 in December and currently doesn’t have a contract for next season. If Rodgers retires or doesn’t return to Pittsburgh, Howard could become the starting quarterback.

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