What's Happening?
Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard sustained an injury to his throwing hand during practice in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Coach Mike Tomlin indicated that the injury occurred during a center-quarterback exchange, although he did not witness the incident directly. Howard, a sixth-round pick from Ohio State, was listed as the team's third-string quarterback and was expected to play significant snaps in the upcoming preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite the injury, Howard managed to complete a touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Johnson during practice. However, he did not participate in further team periods and left practice early, with Skylar Thompson taking over third-string reps.
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Why It's Important?
Howard's injury could impact the Steelers' quarterback depth and preseason plans. As a rookie, Howard was gaining attention and support from fans during training camp, and his absence might affect team dynamics and performance in upcoming games. The Steelers will need to assess Howard's condition to determine his availability for future practices and games. This situation also provides an opportunity for Skylar Thompson to demonstrate his capabilities as he steps into the third-string role.
What's Next?
Howard will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his hand injury. The Steelers will likely adjust their practice and game strategies based on Howard's recovery timeline. Coach Tomlin and the team will monitor Howard's progress closely, and decisions regarding his participation in the preseason opener will depend on medical assessments.
