Rookie quarterback for the Steelers, Will Howard, suffers an injury to his throwing hand during practice.
Steelers Rookie Quarterback Will Howard Sidelined with Broken Pinky Finger
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard suffered a broken pinky finger on his right (throwing) hand during practice on Tuesday, 5th August 2025. This injury is expected to keep him out of action for approximately three weeks, potentially affecting his chances to compete for the backup quarterback spot behind Aaron Rodgers.
The injury is not currently expected to require surgery, according to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, who described it as "week-to-week." This means Howard will miss the preseason opener and may also miss other preseason games. With limited opportunities to showcase his skills on the field during this critical period, Howard will likely have to rely on observing veterans like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson to compete for the backup position.
Howard, drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, had an impressive collegiate career at Kansas State and Ohio State. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024. In his final season at Ohio State, Howard passed for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 16 games. Over his four seasons at Kansas State and one at Ohio State, he accumulated a total of 9,796 passing yards.
Despite this temporary setback, Howard's impressive collegiate career and the potential he demonstrated in leading the Buckeyes to a national championship will undoubtedly be factors in his recovery and comeback. As he recovers from his injury, fans and the Steelers organisation will be eagerly awaiting his return to the field.
[1] Steelers Report: Howard Leaves Practice with Injury [2] Steelers Rookie QB Howard Expected to Miss Preseason Games Due to Injury
- Steelers Rookie Quarterback Will Howard's injury during practice might impact his battle for the backup spot behind Aaron Rodgers, as he might miss both the preseason opener and further games.
- Despite missing some crucial preseason games, Howard's impressive collegiate career, which includes winning a national championship with the Buckeyes, will likely fuel his recovery and eventual return to the field.
- The NFL Draft's sixth-round pick of 2025, Howard had a remarkable run at Kansas State and Ohio State, amassing a total of 9,796 passing yards across his college career.
- In the 2024 season, while leading the Buckeyes to the championship, Howard passed for 4,010 yards, scoring 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 16 games.
- Given his injury and the upcoming NFL games, Howard is facing an opportunity-restricted period in which he'll have to focus on learning from veterans like Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, rather than making an impact of his own on the field.
- On the brighter side, the NFL draft and American football continue to offer a chance for Howard to bounce back and demonstrate his potential in the big leagues of sports and football, especially after his impressive college games.
