Steelers’ Mason Rudolph, Will Howard training camp stock heading in opposite directions

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered training camp with a clear mission: figure out the quarterback hierarchy behind Aaron Rodgers.

Right now, the high-stakes battle for the primary backup job is heavily favoring a familiar face.

According to NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are trending in completely opposite directions. Rudolph is turning heads during daily practices, while Howard is leaving the coaching staff with more questions than answers.

“What it sounds like to me is that Mason Rudolph has done really well in practice, and Will Howard hasn’t done quite well enough to where they’re like, ‘I don’t know if we can make Will Howard the backup,'” Simms noted recently.

Mason Rudolph Has Been Playing Well In Training Camp, And Will Howard Hasn’t Been The Greatest. Per, @CSimmsQB

“But what it sounds like to be is that Mason Rudolph has done really well in practice, and Will Howard hasn’t done quite well enough to where there like ‘I don’t know… https://t.co/BBmslydGJx pic.twitter.com/l7xj0ncRx1

— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 10, 2026

This development shouldn’t shock anyone who watches the Steelers closely. Rudolph brought years of valuable NFL experience into camp, and he clearly looks comfortable operating the offense. He commands the huddle effectively, makes quick reads, and delivers the football on time.

Howard, meanwhile, is hitting the typical bumps in the road most young quarterbacks experience. Transitioning to a complex professional scheme takes time, and the sheer speed of the game appears to be rushing his decision-making. Those persistent practice struggles recently spilled over into live game action.

While Rudolph looked sharp orchestrating the offense, efficiently completing 10-of-14 passes for 120 yards and a crisp touchdown, Howard completely failed to find a rhythm. Howard finished his frustrating outing going a lackluster 6-of-15 for just 55 passing yards. He also forced a bad throw that resulted in a costly interception, halting a promising drive.

Pittsburgh needs a reliable insurance policy under center. Rudolph provides that essential stability. He knows the system, understands the expectations, and prioritizes protecting the football. Howard clearly possesses exciting raw talent, but he simply isn’t ready to step in if disaster strikes.

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