Steelers Keep Will Howard Inactive for Week 8 Clash Against Packers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to keep rookie quarterback Will Howard on the sidelines for their Week 8 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Despite having recently returned to practice, the team is opting to hold him inactive for the upcoming game.
Howard’s Recovery Journey
Will Howard, a sixth-round draft pick, has been working his way back from a broken bone in his throwing hand sustained during training camp. This injury sidelined him for the entire preseason and the beginning of the regular season. Recently, the Steelers opened his practice window, allowing him to rejoin team activities, marking his first time on the field since the injury.
The return to practice brought a wave of excitement for Howard. “It was like all that joy of being a little kid playing football again came back,” he expressed, recalling the thrill of being involved with the scout team. “I handed the ball off. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled more on two handoff plays in my life.”
Timing of His Activation
In a strategic move, the Steelers released quarterback Logan Woodside from their practice squad, leaving them with only two healthy quarterbacks. This decision hinted at the organization’s intention to activate Howard for the latter part of the season. However, the team has a 21-day window to make that decision. If they do not activate him by that deadline, Howard will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
As it stands, the Steelers opted not to activate him before the crucial Week 8 deadline, choosing to keep him within the practice window for now. This approach allows them to assess Howard’s readiness while also considering the health of other players on the roster.
A Mentor Off the Field
During his time away from the field, Howard remained an integral part of the team. His ongoing connection with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has fostered a strong rapport, as he took on an unofficial coaching role while on Injured Reserve. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith humorously referred to Howard as “Coach Will,” highlighting his contributions to the team’s dynamics even as a sidelined player.
While Howard is now eligible to return to the field, the Steelers could choose to wait until the end of the 21-day window to make a final decision. This strategy allows them to assess the overall health of the squad and potentially manage their remaining designated return spots, with only seven available.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers prepare for their game against the Packers, the anticipation surrounding Howard’s eventual return remains high. The team is navigating through injuries, including those of players like Malik Harrison and Donte Kent, while Cory Trice Jr. also remains on IR. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial for Pittsburgh as they aim to bolster their roster for the second half of the season.
