The Pittsburgh Steelers indicated with the release of quarterback Logan Woodside that one of their injured quarterbacks could be close to returning. As it turns out, it’s rookie signal-caller Will Howard.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, along with several local Pittsburgh reporters, that the Steelers have opened Howard’s practice window.
“The Steelers opened the 21-day practice window for QB Will Howard to return from IR,” wrote Pelissero on X.
This move will allow Howard to return to the practice field. The Steelers now have three weeks to activate the rookie quarterback from injured reserve.
If the team doesn’t activate the rookie by November 12, then Howard will spend the rest of the 2025 campaign on IR.
The Steelers drafted Howard at No. 185 overall in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie suffered a fractured right pinkie finger at practice on August 5.
As a result, he didn’t play at all in the preseason and began the regular season on IR.
Steelers Released Logan Woodside to Open Opportunity for Will Howard
The potential return of a Steelers quarterback from IR wasn’t super surprising Wednesday. A day prior, the team released Woodside from the practice squad.
Although Woodside wasn’t on the active roster, the move was a clear indication the Steelers were going to get back one of their preferred QB3 options. It just wasn’t clear which one it would be.
Since Week 2, quarterback Skylar Thompson has also been on injured reserve for the Steelers. The release of Woodside was a sign that either Howard or Thompson, but probably not both, were set to return.
Thompson has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Although questionable for the season opener, he was healthy for Week 1.
Thompson went on IR on September 9. The Steelers then signed Woodside.
With 10 NFL appearances, including three starts, Thompson has more experience than Howard. But Howard potentially has more upside. There was a lot of hype around the quarterback after the Steelers drafted him and excitement about what he could potentially do in the preseason.
Howard is unlikely to play much this fall. But assuming he completes his return, Steelers fans are likely to be thrilled he’s back healthy, practicing and ready to play.
Howard Likely to Be QB3 for Steelers
Again, this is dependent on the Steelers officially activating Howard. But if that happens, the Steelers can return to their preseason plan behind center.
Aaron Rodgers is obviously the team’s starter. Mason Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh this offseason, and while he hasn’t played much this year, he provides experienced depth as a backup.
Howard will slide onto the depth chart at QB3 behind each of those signal-callers.
Something will have to go very wrong on the injury front for Howard to see the field in a meaningful game. Should that happen, though, Steelers fans are likely to be intrigued.
In one season at Ohio State last year, Howard led the team to a 14-2 record and a national championship. Howard was first in the Big Ten with a 73% completion percentage, 4,010 passing yards and 35 touchdowns.
In four college football playoff games with the Buckeyes, Howard posted a 75% completion percentage and 10.6 yards per pass with eight touchdowns and only two interceptions.
To activate Howard from injured reserve, the Steelers will have to open a spot on the 53-man roster.
Steelers Make Significant Move With Rookie QB Will Howard: Report