Steelers QB2 Battle Intensifies in First Preseason Matchup

The Pittsburgh Steelers have their starting quarterback in place for the 2026 season as four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers re-signed for the final season of his career.

However, behind Rodgers, a battle is brewing for the backup quarterback spot among veteran Mason Rudolph, second-year Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar.

All three quarterbacks were efficient in the first preseason game, intensifying the battle for the QB2 spot. Rudolph completed 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards and was sacked twice. Howard completed seven of nine passes for 86 yards and was sacked once.

While Rudolph and Howard were solid, Allar had the most impressive performance, completing 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. The former Penn State star also rushed for a touchdown.

All three quarterbacks will continue to battle as the ensuing preseason games become vital. 

Rudolph has the most experience of the bunch, with this being his seventh year in the league and his sixth with the Steelers. In his career, Rudolph has completed 64.4 percent of his passes for 4,925 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions while rushing for 209 yards and a touchdown.

Pittsburgh knows what they'd get from the veteran backup, but they could go with a younger option. Howard is entering his second season in the league, but he did not play in his rookie campaign due to injury and sitting behind Rodgers.

However, he was impressive in the 2024 season at Ohio State, completing 73 percent of his passes for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 226 yards and seven touchdowns, leading the Buckeyes to win the National Championship.

If he can play well in the final preseason games, he has a chance to snatch the backup role behind Rodgers.

The rookie, Allar, is also very much in the mix after a great preseason debut. The Steelers selected the 22-year-old in the third round of the NFL Draft after he spent four years at Penn State.

Across his collegiate career, Allar completed 63.2 percent for 7,402 yards, 61 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while rushing for 732 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Head coach Mike McCarthy is going to have a tough decision to make, as the backup quarterback battle has only gotten closer after the first preseason game.