The Pittsburgh Steelers have created the expectation quarterback Will Howard will make the team’s initial 53-man roster Sunday. With a social media post, though, the signal-caller might have created a little intrigue to the Steelers roster decision coming in a few hours.
Howard posted a series of photos of himself from the 2026 preseason and training camp on Instagram. The quarterback included one word as a caption.
“Grateful,” wrote Howard.
The caption also included an emoji character sitting in a zen position.
It’s easy to assume Howard is grateful because he is about to make the Steelers 53-man roster. However, there were social media users arguing the quarterback was saying goodbye and was expressing his “gratitude” for his first NFL opportunity.
The Steelers had four quarterbacks on their 90-man roster this summer. In addition to Howard, the team also had Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph and Drew Allar.
Rodgers is obviously a lock to make the roster as the team’s incumbent starter. Allar is guaranteed to be on the team as a third-round rookie.
The question during training camp and the preseason was whether Rudolph or Howard would make the team. The Steelers, though, have also regularly touted the idea that they could keep all four quarterbacks.
The NFL’s roster cut deadline is 6 pm ET Sunday. All teams must trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players by that deadline.
Steelers’ Will Howard Posts on Instagram Ahead of NFL Roster Deadline
It’s not clear if Howard meant to be cryptic with his Sunday social media post. Given how strongly head coach Mike McCarthy has stressed he likes the second-year quarterback and the team’s quarterback room overall, it’s easy to read Howard being grateful as a thankful to his new head coach and for his roster spot.
It’s not unusual for NFL teams to keep four quarterbacks. The Steelers could Sunday in large part because of their faith in Howard.
But again, Howard’s single word on Instagram could also be the start of a good-bye. Fans will find out for sure Sunday night.
Howard had a very strong preseason debut with the Steelers on August 13. He completed 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt.
Howard, though, struggled more in Weeks 2 and 3 of the preseason. He threw three interceptions while playing four quarters in those two contests.
Will Steelers Really Keep Four Quarterbacks?
The Steelers keeping four signal-callers on the active roster to begin the regular season isn’t a new concept. But with the possibility becoming more likely, some pundits have argued against the idea.
Most notably, former Pittsburgh quarterback Charlie Batch voiced again on his podcast how it’s not a good idea.
In light of that criticism, what the Steelers do behind center Sunday is still under the spotlight. That remains the case with Howard not confirming one way or the other whether he will be on the team.
In a perfect world, Howard will stay in Pittsburgh to compete with Allar. The two signal callers are the best options the Steelers have at a future franchise quarterback after Rodgers retires.
But part of why teams don’t keep four quarterbacks is the lack of practice repetitions depth signal-callers get. Keeping both Howard and Allar could stunt the development of each quarterback.
Steelers’ Will Howard Shares 1-Word Instagram Post Hours Before Roster Deadline