To begin the 2025 season, Steelers rookie QB Will Howard will likely be on the injured reserve. That’s as a result of the 23-year-old suffered a fractured pinkie throughout a follow in early August.
Final season, Howard was the beginning QB for the Nationwide Champion Ohio State Buckeyes. This weekend, Howard is in Columbus, Ohio, to look at the Buckeyes face the Texas Longhorns. On Friday, Howard appeared on ESPN’s Pat McAfee Present and mentioned his present standing. He shared that he’s again to throwing this week for the Steelers. A step in the correct course for the rookie QB.
Will Howard has a while earlier than he’s off the IR
Will Howard on the @PatMcAfeeShow speaking about his hand damage and rising a beard. 🔥
— Portersburgh (@PortersBurgh) August 29, 2025
Within the sixth spherical of the 2025 NFL draft, the Steelers chosen Will Howard out of Ohio State. The rookie QB is effectively conscious of his place on Pittsburgh’s roster this season. Aaron Rodgers is the undisputed starter, and Mason Rudolph is the backup. Talking with the Pat McAfee Present on Friday, Will Howard referred to as 2025 “a developmental 12 months.” Moreover, Howard informed McAfee that he felt he was having a powerful camp with the Steelers earlier than his damage occurred.
Will Howard fractured the pinkie on his throwing hand throughout a quarterback and heart trade. That pressured the rookie to overlook the complete 2025 preseason. These are precious missed reps for a younger QB with little to no expertise within the NFL. Fortunately, the Steelers won’t be calling upon Howard to start the 12 months.
Will Howard on McAfee on shifting previous damage and being on IR: “It killed me I couldn’t be on the market for the preseason. I felt like I used to be having a extremely good fall camp and needed to hold that into the preseason and present Steelers Nation what I used to be able to. However you gotta belief…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 29, 2025
He has time to get better from a hand damage and get again into the movement. Beginning the season on the IR, he’ll miss at the least the primary 4 video games for the Steelers. With Pittsburgh having a Week 5 bye, the earliest Will Howard may return is in Week 6 vs. the Browns. On Friday, Howard informed Pat McAfee, “It’s feeling good, entering into the correct course.”
Earlier than his damage this summer time, Steelers veterans have been impressed with the rookie QB. Defensive ace Cam Heyward stated he was impressed with Howard’s IQ for his age. Moreover, he stated Howard is a brilliant soccer participant who asks the correct questions. That’s a optimistic signal for Steelers followers. After Aaron Rodgers leaves, the staff will likely be trying to find a franchise QB. Will Howard may discover himself within the combine for the beginning position a 12 months from now.
