Will Howard: Everything you need to know

Howard's chances of starting in 2026 have diminished, as Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year contract with the Steelers on Monday. Prior to Rodgers re-signing, Howard was in position to compete for a starting role against veteran Mason Rudolph and rookie third-round pick Drew Allar (ankle). Rodgers is comfortably situated atop the quarterback depth chart now that the 42-year-old starter has returned to Pittsburgh for the start of OTAs, while Howard will have to jostle for positioning on the depth chart and could realistically miss out on making the team at all.

Howard (coach's decision) is inactive and will serve as Pittsburgh's emergency third quarterback for Monday's AFC wild-card game versus Houston, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports. This is a familiar role for Howard, as he's been Pittsburgh's emergency QB every week since coming off IR in mid-November. Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will continue to serve as the Steelers' QB1 and QB2, respectively, while Howard will be eligible to enter Monday's game only if both quarterbacks ahead of him have to exit due to injury, illness or ejection.

Howard (coach's decision) is inactive but will serve as the Steelers' emergency third quarterback against the Ravens on Sunday. As the emergency third quarterback, Howard is prohibited from playing Sunday unless both Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph were to leave the game due to injury, illness or ejection.