Steelers make final roster decision on Will Howard amid head injury and Mike McCarthy evaluation
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly decided what to do with their QB room ahead of Sunday’s 53-man roster deadline.
Aaron Rodgers will be Pittsburgh’s undisputed starter in what will be his final NFL season, as he reunites with his former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Will Howard, Mason Rudolph and third-round pick Drew Allar make up the other QBs at McCarthy’s disposal.
There were question marks as to whether Pittsburgh would keep all four heading into the 2026 season, but it appears that has now been answered.
Three Pittsburgh sports journalists, Gerry Dulac, Mike Prisuta and Bob Labriola, said the Steelers will carry all four quarterbacks during a pregame radio appearance on WDVE Pittsburgh on Thursday, according to Steelers Depot.
It’s an unsurprising move, given what McCarthy said following their pre-season loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.
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“I think that’s a very accurate evaluation on your part,” McCarthy said when asked if he has four quarterbacks who have earned roster spots.
“Yeah, I feel good about the quarterback room.
“I’ve been saying it for quite some time. I think they’ve showed it on the field.
“So, we’ve got two veterans that we can win with, and we’ve got two young guys that we’re real excited about their future.”
Two days before traveling to Buffalo’s new $2.1bn Highmark Stadium, McCarthy once again proposed the idea of taking all options into the regular season.
“If you have four quarterbacks in that room, especially the quality we have right now, I think it only enhances what the regular season would look like,” McCarthy said.
“I’d have six quarterbacks in the building if it worked.”
Will Howard being evaluated for head injury
What might throw a spanner into McCarthy’s plan is that Howard was evaluated for a head injury following the Steelers’ pre-season finale against Buffalo on Thursday.
Howard did not speak to reporters after reporting an injury to the medical staff during the second half of their 28-27 loss.
There has been no further update on Howard’s health, but if he ends up on injured reserve, he would have to miss a minimum of four games.
Howard played the entire first half for the Steelers, going 9-for-15 with 69 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
He has been tipped to take over the starting job at the conclusion of the 2026 season when Rodgers retire and if they team doesn’t sign a QB in free agency.
Howard’s main competition is expected to be Drew Allar who went 9-of-18 for 88 yards against the Bills.
McCarthy could make history by carrying four signal-callers on the active 53-man roster for the first time in his nearly two-decade head coaching career.
Now, all eyes turn to the medical report to see if Howard’s setback reshapes the roster before Sunday’s cut deadline.
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