Will Howard was one of the highlights of the Pittsburgh Steelers' spring and summer workouts as the national championship quarterback made a strong impression during OTAs and the early portion of training camp.
However, Howard injured his throwing hand on Aug. 5 during practice. He was placed on the injured reserve list and did not play in any preseason games or the first six regular-season games.
The Steelers' sixth-round draft pick from Ohio State did start practicing this week. The Steelers have 21 days to activate him or keep him on the IR for the rest of the season.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith believes Howard can benefit from practicing, even if he is deemed not ready to play this season.
"It goes back a little bit to the philosophical (discussion) about developing quarterbacks," Smith said. "How do you develop young guys without playing games? And so, we put a lot of work into it. It was unfortunate what happened. He didn't get to play in the preseason. But I think it's important for him to practice. If you try to sit a guy out the whole year, I think it's important to get those reps. We'll see how the season unfolds."
The Steelers recently released third-string quarterback Logan Woodside, who did not appear in any regular-season games after being signed in the offseason. Woodside has played 13 games in the NFL, though none as a starter, with the Tennessee Titans (2020-21) and Atlanta Falcons (2022-23).
Cutting Woodside is a strong indicator that either Howard or Skylar Thompson will be the Steelers' third-string quarterback against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Thompson started three games with the Miami Dolphins, two in 2022 and one last season, but has been on the IR all season with a hamstring injury
Howard guided Ohio State to the national championship last season after transferring from Kansas State. He was Offensive MVP in the College Football Playoff title game as he completed 17 of 21 passes for 231 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 57 yards in the Buckeyes' 34-23 victory over Notre Dame.
Howard led the nation with a 73.0 completion percentage and 4,010 passing yards last season. He also threw 35 touchdown passes and ran for seven scores.