Will Howard is receiving every opportunity so far to earn the Steelers backup quarterback job. Throughout the first four practices at OTAs, the Steelers have given the Ohio State product second-team reps, battling veteran Mason Rudolph for the role – and potentially a roster spot.
Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy have frequently gone above and beyond to sing Howard’s praises. Steelers quarterback coach Tom Arth did the same on Wednesday, speaking to the media at the team’s training facility.
“He’s doing
everything and more that we could ask of him,” Arth said, per 93.7 The Fan. “He’s exceeding expectations. We couldn’t be happier with where he’s at.”
Howard suffered a fractured right pinky at the start of training camp on August 5. The injury kept him out for all of camp and the preseason. He was activated off IR on November 12 and served as the emergency third quarterback for the remainder of the season.
The Steelers re-signed Aaron Rodgers and drafted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar 76th overall, likely leaving one remaining roster spot for Howard or Rudolph, the former of which is taking advantage of his early snaps.
“He’s performed well here in OTAs, up to this point,” Arth said. “Once we get to training camp and get into the preseason, I think that’s where the true evaluation will start to take place.”
OTAs run through June 12, with mandatory minicamp in between from June 2-4. The Steelers report to St. Vincent College for training camp on Tuesday, July 28.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!
