What's Happening?
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed that rookie quarterback Will Howard has sustained a broken finger on his throwing hand. The injury occurred during a practice session, possibly due to a center-quarterback exchange or a handoff. Howard is currently wearing a splint on his right pinky finger and is considered week-to-week, with no surgery required. This development sidelines Howard for the remainder of the preseason, with veteran quarterback Skylar Thompson stepping in as the No. 3 quarterback. The Steelers are considering bringing in an additional quarterback for training camp.
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Why It's Important?
Howard's injury is significant as it affects the Steelers' depth at the quarterback position, especially during the critical preseason period. As a sixth-round pick, Howard was expected to gain valuable experience and potentially challenge for a backup role. His absence could hinder his development and impact the team's quarterback strategy. The Steelers must now rely on Thompson, who has been elevated in the depth chart, to fill the gap. This situation also highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy roster, particularly in key positions, as the team prepares for the regular season.
What's Next?
The Steelers will need to decide whether to place Howard on the injured reserve list, which would allow them to bring him back later in the season. Additionally, the team may explore signing another quarterback to ensure adequate depth during the preseason. The coaching staff will focus on integrating younger players and adjusting their game plans to accommodate the changes in the quarterback lineup. The team's performance in upcoming preseason games will be closely watched to assess the impact of Howard's absence.
