Thursday’s preseason opener for the Pittsburgh Steelers isn’t just the beginning of exhibition play and the first time the team will step onto the field in live-game action, it also marks a long-awaited day for second-year quarterback Will Howard.
The former sixth-round pick out of Ohio State didn’t play at all in 2025 – preseason or regular season – due to a hand injury he suffered in training camp. After a long wait, the former Buckeye is chomping at the bit to get on the field.
“I’m so fired up,”
Howard told the media on Monday. “I can’t wait for the game, but obviously I’m trying to take it day by day. It’s still camp. But, you know, sometimes you can’t help but look forward a little bit and start getting excited just to be out there in live game reps.”
For Howard, Thursday will mark the first time he’s played in any game since January, 2024 when he led Ohio State to the National Championship – a 19 month gap from his last collegiate snap to his first NFL play.“
“I’ve been chomping at the bit for a while to get out there with the guys in real game-like settings. Put the uniform on, put the helmet on. I just can’t wait.”
For Howard, this isn’t just the first time he’ll take the field in an NFL game, it’s also a job interview – something he’s very aware of.
“I know everyone says preseason isn’t real football, Howard said. ”But to me it is.”
Pittsburgh and Green Bay will square off in Acrisure Stadium with kickoff set for 7:00 PM.
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