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Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Placed on IR: What's the Plan?
10 months agoUS
Rookie quarterback Will Howard's NFL journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers faces an early hurdle. After sustaining a fractured pinkie finger in practice, the Steelers plan to place Howard on injured reserve (IR). This move impacts the team's quarterback depth and opens the door for Skylar Thompson to secure a roster spot.
Key Insights
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Will Howard will be placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the first four weeks of the season.
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Skylar Thompson's strong preseason performance has likely earned him a spot on the 53-man roster as the third quarterback.
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The Steelers value Howard but prioritize immediate needs, opting to keep Thompson for his readiness.
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Thompson completed 73.2% of his passes during the preseason, throwing for four touchdowns and one interception.
Why this matters: Howard's injury and subsequent IR placement provide an opportunity for Thompson to prove his value to the Steelers. It also delays Howard's development and integration into the team's system, but this ensures that the team does not risk losing him to waivers.
In-Depth Analysis
Background
The Steelers drafted Will Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. A hand injury during training camp has altered the Steelers' plans for the young quarterback. The team will place him on injured reserve.
Impact on Quarterback Depth
With Howard on IR, Skylar Thompson is expected to make the final roster. Thompson’s performance during the preseason games was strong, making him a reliable option behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
Skylar Thompson's Opportunity
Thompson's preseason stats speak for themselves: a 73.2% completion rate, four touchdowns, and one interception. While these numbers came against second- and third-string defenses, they demonstrated his readiness to contribute to the team.
Steelers' Strategy
The Steelers' decision to place Howard on IR reflects a strategy to protect their investment while addressing immediate needs. By keeping Howard on IR, they prevent other teams from claiming him while allowing Thompson to fill the role of the third quarterback.
FAQs
Why are the Steelers placing Will Howard on injured reserve?
Howard fractured his right pinkie finger during practice, sidelining him for at least four weeks.
Who will be the Steelers' third quarterback with Howard on IR?
Skylar Thompson is expected to make the roster as the third quarterback due to his strong preseason performance.
What does this mean for Will Howard's future with the Steelers?
Howard remains a valued prospect for the Steelers, who don't want to expose him to waivers. This IR stint allows him to recover and develop without the risk of being claimed by another team.
Key Takeaways
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Will Howard's injury has created an opportunity for Skylar Thompson to secure a spot on the Steelers' roster.
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The Steelers are prioritizing immediate quarterback needs while protecting their long-term investment in Howard.
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Thompson's preseason performance was a key factor in the Steelers' decision-making process.
Discussion
Do you think Skylar Thompson will hold onto the third-string quarterback position for the entire season? Let us know in the comments!
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