PIT Will Howard
NFL player. Position: QB. Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers).
Quick Facts
- Position: QB
- Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Background: Transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State; led Buckeyes through College Football Playoff run
- Status: Competing for backup QB2 role behind Aaron Rodgers
2026 Outlook
Howard is a rookie competing with Mason Rudolph for the Steelers' backup QB role behind Aaron Rodgers. Head coach Mike McCarthy has praised his upside, citing sneaky athleticism, a prototypical NFL frame, and excellent accuracy on downfield throws from his final college season. While he doesn't possess elite arm talent, he has sufficient arm strength for NFL-level play. Howard's key advantage is his proven ability to learn new offensive systems quickly—he successfully transitioned from Kansas State to Ohio State and now faces his third different playbook in as many years. This flexibility could level the playing field against Rudolph's experience (per Will Howard's Familiar Challenge Could Help Him Win Steelers QB2 Job at Camp).
After missing the entire preseason last year due to a hand injury, 2026 represents Howard's first opportunity to showcase his development in live competition. He participated in OTAs and training camp drills last summer but never took a preseason snap, leaving questions about his real-world readiness. This preseason will be his first real test facing opposing defenses, and coaching staff expect some early rust given he hasn't played competitive football since the national championship game (per Will Howard's Familiar Challenge Could Help Him Win Steelers QB2 Job at Camp).
Role / Depth Chart
Backup QB (PIT). Competing with Mason Rudolph for the QB2 role behind Aaron Rodgers.
Injury Status
Healthy heading into 2026 training camp.
Recent News
- 2026-07-27 — Will Howard competing with Mason Rudolph for Steelers QB2 job (Will Howard's Familiar Challenge Could Help Him Win Steelers QB2 Job at Camp)
Open Questions
- Can Howard establish himself as the clear-choice backup over Mason Rudolph in training camp and preseason?
- How will his athleticism and accuracy translate in live NFL competition after missing last preseason to injury?