Training camp has been up and down for the Pittsburgh Steelers, just as it usually is for all 32 NFL teams. There have been standout performers, but plenty of slow-starters as well.
Surprisingly, however, the 2025 rookie class has been relatively impressive across the board in their first trip to Latrobe. First-round pick Derrick Harmon is giving the coaching staff no reason to regret naming him as a starter right away. Kaleb Johnson looks smooth and explosive as a runner, even if his third-down ability needs work. Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black look ready to contribute in the front seven. Even their last selection, cornerback Donte Kent, was showing promise before suffering an injury.
Perhaps the most exciting rookie, even if it's mostly due to the position he plays, has been sixth-round quarterback Will Howard. He has looked sharp in drills, especially in seven shots, and has more command of the offense than anyone expected. That's why his freak injury during Tuesday's practice is so disappointing.
Pittsburgh Steelers' fans will have to wait to see Will Howard in action thanks to hand injury
Howard left practice early on Tuesday due to a hand injury, and at first, things seemed to be trending towards it being nothing to worry about. It happened after taking a snap from center Zach Frazier, so you would think it couldn't be that serious. Unfortunately, further testing revealed a small bone fracture in his throwing hand, according to Ian Rapoport.
#Steelers rookie QB Will Howard, who banged his throwing hand in practice, suffered a fractured small bone in his hand, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025
He’s having additional tests, but it’s likely no surgery is required. He’s expected to miss at least 3 weeks, but more info coming. pic.twitter.com/ngij5xxxr5
As Rapoport said in his tweet, the injury is expected to keep him out for the next three weeks at best. That would mean that fans won't get to see the rising rookie play at all in 2025, barring injury. It's a brutal blow to the Ohio State product, but his excellent camp thus far likely means his spot as the No. 3 QB is secure.
Skylar Thompson will move into that spot while Howard recovers, but he hasn't exactly lit it up so far in Latrobe. The Steelers could look to add a fourth arm until Howard returns, but I doubt it would be anyone who would threaten his place on the roster.
Even though Howard's immediate future shouldn't be affected all that much, not getting to see him play real live reps in the preseason could cloud his long-term future. With a strong preseason, he may have been able to start pushing Mason Rudolph for the primary backup spot.
That would have been unlikely, but now we won't even get to see what he looks like against NFL competition for potentially a full year. Fans hoping he could be the next late-round gem at QB have got to be disappointed.