Charlie Batch believes that Mason Rudolph is more likely to make the Pittsburgh Steelers' 53-man roster than Will Howard. He argues that the Steelers' choice hinges on the reliance on veteran experience versus the development of younger quarterbacks like Howard and Drew Allar. Batch points to the limitations imposed by the CBA, suggesting only one young quarterback can be adequately developed due to restricted practice time. He emphasized that for both Allar and Howard to unseat Rudolph, they would need to perform exceptionally well within a short evaluation period.

By the Numbers
  • Mason Rudolph has extensive experience compared to young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar.
  • Allar was drafted with one of the Steelers' three third-round picks, indicating a strong investment in his potential.
Yes, But

While Batch's perspective highlights Rudolph's advantages, there's no guarantee he will remain on the roster. The Steelers might choose to retain multiple young quarterbacks instead, a scenario they have navigated before. McCarthy believes he can effectively develop both Allar and Howard despite CBA constraints.

State of Play
  • Mike McCarthy has openly praised both Allar and Howard, indicating competition for the backup quarterback slot.
  • Howard's missed rookie season work poses challenges for his evaluation compared to Rudolph's established performance.
What's Next

As training camp progresses, expect ongoing evaluations of all quarterbacks. Decisions will likely depend on performance, practice dynamics, and potential roster moves. Trade options could emerge if the Steelers face an overabundance of quarterbacks needing roster spots.

Bottom Line

With limited practice opportunities, the Steelers face tough decisions regarding their quarterback depth. Ultimately, Mason Rudolph's experience may keep him on the roster, but developments in the coming months will determine his fate and the future of Howard and Allar.