Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard suffered a setback on Tuesday after injuring his throwing hand during practice. Head coach Mike Tomlin stated the injury likely occurred during a center-quarterback exchange, although he didn’t witness the moment firsthand. Howard, a sixth-round pick, was expected to see significant playing time in Saturday’s preseason game against the Jaguars, making the injury particularly ill-timed.
Early Injuries Pile Up as Steelers Evaluate Key Players Ahead of Preseason Opener
Howard’s injury wasn’t the only concern at practice. Tight end Jonnu Smith exited early due to knee soreness, though Tomlin downplayed the severity. Meanwhile, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is dealing with a groin injury sustained earlier in the week. He’s expected to miss at least a few more days. These developments add early wear and tear to the Steelers roster before the preseason officially begins.
Will Howard (NFL)Before leaving practice, Howard made the most of his limited reps. He connected with Brandon Johnson for a touchdown in the “Seven Shots” drill and later rolled out to hit tight end JJ Galbreath during the first team period. However, he did not participate in any drills beyond that opening session, prompting concern about his availability in upcoming practices and games.
Howard’s Absence Opens Door for Thompson, But Rookie QB Remains a Fan Favorite
With Howard sidelined, third-string duties fell to Skylar Thompson, a former Dolphins draft pick. Thompson took over the remaining reps, including the final two-minute drill, which ended with a dropped pass in the end zone. Howard had previously been listed ahead of Thompson on the initial depth chart, so the coming days may prove pivotal in how the quarterback depth is shaped moving forward.
Despite the injury, Howard has already carved out a place in fans’ hearts. The former Ohio State quarterback said he hadn’t realized the cheers during camp were for him, joking he thought they were for other players like Joey Porter or even legends like Troy Polamalu.
He expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, acknowledging the energy from both Buckeye and Penn State fans in the crowd. Howard’s humility and poise have made him a standout personality in camp, even as he awaits a full medical evaluation.
