Steelers Set to Reintroduce Will Howard Amid Quarterback Shake-Up
The Pittsburgh Steelers are signaling a significant shift in their quarterback lineup by bringing Will Howard back into the mix. With the franchise looking to bolster its roster, the rookie quarterback may soon have the opportunity to prove his worth during practice.
Roster Moves and Implications
In a recent move, the Steelers released backup quarterback Logan Woodside from their practice squad ahead of their Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. This decision left the team with just two active quarterbacks: Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Additionally, both Howard and Skylar Thompson remain on Injured Reserve, complicating the Steelers’ depth chart.
The prospect of adding Howard back to the practice squad is gaining traction. While it doesn’t guarantee him a permanent spot on the 53-man roster, it does give him a critical 21-day window to showcase his skills. This opportunity allows the coaching staff to evaluate his readiness before making any long-term commitments.
Strategic Timing for Evaluation
Opening Howard’s practice window seems like a prudent strategy for the Steelers. It does not obligate them to make immediate roster changes but grants them the flexibility to assess their options as the season unfolds. By Week 11, they will have a clearer picture of the team’s health and the effectiveness of their current quarterback situation.
Currently, the Steelers have utilized only one of their designated return spots from Injured Reserve. Cory Trice Jr. remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, taking up one of the limited roster spots available for IR returns. With only seven spots left and half the season to go, the organization must carefully consider how to allocate these opportunities without jeopardizing their overall depth.
The Case for Will Howard
Reintroducing Will Howard to the practice roster aligns with the Steelers’ need for strategic planning. This move allows the team to delay any rash decisions while giving Howard valuable practice time. Should the evaluations over the next three weeks reveal a need for additional quarterback support, the Steelers can choose to activate him for the remainder of the season.
Conversely, if the team finds itself needing to free up an IR spot for other players, they can simply allow Howard to return to Injured Reserve without any detriment to his development. Regardless of the outcome, Howard stands to gain from the practice reps, providing him with essential experience that could pay dividends down the line.
Anticipation Among Fans
As discussions heat up around Howard’s potential return, fans are eager to see what the rookie can bring to the practice field. While his workload may be limited, any glimpse of his abilities could reignite excitement around the team’s future quarterback prospects.
As the Steelers navigate this pivotal moment in their season, all eyes will be on Will Howard and how he fits into the evolving narrative of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation.
The franchise continues to adapt and strategize in a season filled with challenges, and Howard’s performance in the coming weeks could play a crucial role in shaping their trajectory.
