The Pittsburgh Steelers face a critical decision regarding their quarterback situation as Aaron Rodgers' return remains uncertain. If Rodgers does not come back, Mason Rudolph will have to compete with two untested quarterbacks, including Will Howard, who many believe could take the starting role. Analyst Ray Fittipaldo emphasized that Howard's experience, despite injuries, gives him an edge over rookie Drew Allar. He advocates that the Steelers should prioritize evaluating Howard to understand their long-term needs for the team, especially if they want a clear direction looking ahead to the 2027 season.

By the Numbers
  • Close to 100 NFL practices completed by Will Howard since last offseason.
  • Zero combined NFL snaps between Howard and Allar, suggesting a lack of experience among the competition.
Yes, But

Rudolph's experience could benefit the team, but starting him may worsen the situation as he lacks the potential to elevate the team's performance significantly.

State of Play
  • Rodgers' potential absence creates a competitive environment for young quarterbacks.
  • The Steelers are focused on developing Howard as their backup plan if Rodgers does not return.
What's Next

Should Rodgers not return, the Steelers may need to quickly assess Howard in real-game situations to prepare for upcoming seasons. This may also involve prioritizing roster moves before the 2027 NFL Draft.

Bottom Line

With uncertain quarterback prospects, the Steelers must look towards evaluating Will Howard sooner rather than later to solidify their future strategy and adapt to the evolving landscape of their roster.