Will Howard entered training camp with an opportunity to become the young quarterback to watch behind Aaron Rodgers. The Pittsburgh Steelers must learn whether last year’s sixth-round pick can handle the No. 2 job, and Mike McCarthy’s staff has no reason to favor a quarterback it didn’t draft.
Mason Rudolph has looked like the safer backup, while rookie third-rounder Drew Allar gives Mike McCarthy a developmental option. Howard’s practices have swung between clean short throws and shaky intermediate work, leaving him in an uncomfortable roster spot.
Howard, 24, hasn’t seen any NFL action, having spent most of his rookie season on injured reserve.
Will Howard is losing ground in Pittsburgh Steelers QB2 race
Penn Live reporter Nick Farabaugh called Howard “a little bit up-down-up-down” after Tuesday’s practice, although he thought the quarterback “settled in quite nicely.” Six practices into a new offense, patience is warranted. Farabaugh’s depth-chart read was uncomfortable for anyone hoping Howard would press Rudolph.
“I think the gap between Rudolph and Howard right now is bigger than the gap between Howard and Allar,” Farabaugh said on “The Steelers Blitz” podcast. “If you want to win that job, that’s not where it needs to be for Will Howard.”
Wednesday didn’t provide the response Howard needed. Jack Markowski wrote for Steelers Sports Illustrated that Howard “didn’t look the part,” with ball placement beyond five yards and mechanics that drew skepticism. He remained efficient in shorter drills and team periods, but coaches need to see that efficiency carry into intermediate and deep throws.
Howard split reps steadily with Rudolph on Thursday and Friday, yet inconsistent spin and placement on intermediate and deep throws remained. Those are the throws Howard must hit if coaches will ever trust him as Rodgers’ game-day backup.
McCarthy inherited Howard rather than choosing him. Mike Tomlin’s staff drafted the former Ohio State passer, while McCarthy’s group spent a third-round pick on Allar despite Howard being in development. That investment gives Allar time and puts Howard on a shorter clock.
Preseason action, starting with Green Bay on Thursday, gives Howard his first chance against an opposing NFL defense. Rudolph appears headed for the job behind Rodgers, much to Steelers Nation’s dismay, while Howard needs the preseason to show his accuracy improves against an opposing defense. His first NFL game action will give the coaching staff a more accurate evaluation.
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