Steelers face setback as starting quarterback sidelined for weeks due to broken hand
Pittsburgh Steelers Rookie Quarterback Will Howard Sustains Fractured Pinky Finger
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard is set to miss at least three weeks after sustaining a fractured small bone in his throwing hand during a training camp practice. The injury, specifically a broken pinky finger, is likely that he will not require surgery, though that remains under consideration as he explores options, with a non-surgical recovery currently expected [1][2][3][4][5].
Howard's absence will have a notable impact on the depth chart, with Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph remaining the top two quarterbacks. The third-string role will now be filled by Skylar Thompson, who, without vested veteran status, is at risk of being waived if the Steelers attempt to move him to the practice squad [2].
In the event that Howard's recovery extends, the Steelers may look to add another quarterback to their roster. Logan Woodside has been mentioned as a possible candidate due to his familiarity with the offensive coordinator [2].
Despite the setback, Howard has expressed a positive relationship with Aaron Rodgers and the quarterback room. Rodgers has appointed himself as Howard's mentor for the upcoming season and has offered to help him as much or as little as he wants [6].
Rodgers, a four-time MVP, signed a one-year, $13.65 million deal with the Steelers this offseason and is expected to be the starter under center for the team this season [7].
Howard spent 2024 at Ohio State after four years at Kansas State and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of April's NFL Draft. He was listed as the third-string quarterback on the Steelers' initial depth chart, behind Rodgers and Rudolph [8].
During preseason, Rodgers has been actively mentoring Howard, providing tips in various aspects, including meeting room discussions, on-field drills, and dropbacks [9]. The injury occurred during a practice session, according to Ian Rapoport [10].
As Howard awaits further tests to determine the extent of his injury, the team's intentions regarding signing another quarterback in his absence are currently unclear [2].
References:
- NFL.com
- ESPN.com
- ProFootballTalk
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- Steelers Now
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Over The Cap
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
- NFL Network
- The injury to Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard could potentially open the door for Logan Woodside, who is familiar with the team's offensive coordinator, to join the roster as an additional quarterback.
- In the sports news, a fractured pinky finger has forced Howard to take a break from American-football action, withoptimistic projections suggesting the injury won't need surgery, but recovery is expected for at least three weeks.
- After Howard's injury during a training camp practice, the Pittsburgh Steelers, a football team in the NFL, are currently considering adding another quarterback to their roster, depending on the length of Howard's recovery.
