PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t gotten to see Will Howard in action since the start of the season. After suffering an injury during training camp, the sixth-round rookie has been shut down waiting for his chance. That may be coming soon.
As the Steelers return from the Bye Week, they have the option to open the practice window for three players before Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. One of those players is Howard. After breaking a bone in his hand during a handoff in the summer, he’s healed and ready to go, and hoping for a chance this season.
Pittsburgh Steeler
Speaking with Chris Adamski of the Trib Live, Howard said he’s healthy and ready to be back on the field with his teammates.
“I’m feeling really good right now and really feeling good about the change to my body and where I’m at there,” Howard said. “So, I’m excited to just get back and get some physical reps and be back with the boys.”
That opportunity should come soon as the team only has two active quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Ideally, they’d have three, but also need to be mindful of their limited return numbers from Injured Reserve.
Howard could see his practice window open and the Steelers can decide from there if he’s capable of being on the active roster, or if they want to put him on it.
Jul 24, 2025; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
According to quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, Howard has been glued to Aaron Rodgers’ hip since the injury happened. He’s stayed busy, trying to learn as much as he can from the future Hall of Famer even while he’s not on the actual field.
He wants more, though. An opportunity. Something he can showcase to the team before the season ends.
“All of it’s really teaching me how to watch film and how to read NFL defenses and how to categorize them and what we’re calling everything,” Howard said. “So, every little thing like that has been helping me a lot.
“It’s definitely unique. It was obviously not ideal, the circumstance (injury) that happened to me. So, we kind of had to adapt and adjust. I didn’t want to just be sitting here and doing nothing the whole time. So I was big on making sure I stayed involved so that I’ll be ready for whenever I’m called upon. Hopefully, that’s sooner rather than later.
Howard could prove himself to the Steelers this season, opening the door for a future opportunity to be their starter. The upcoming draft class has disappointed early in the college football season. So, if Rodgers isn’t returning in 2026 and the Steelers don’t feel confident in their options, Howard could be their guy.
But they need to see more than film study from him to prove that. They won’t just hand him anything. So, returning to the field this season is critical for any chance he’s got at taking over in the future.
Commanders on right path to Super Bowl after Chargers game
The Washington Commanders are in the win column again after a big 27-10 rout over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5 at SoFi Stadium.
The victory was Washington’s best of the season, giving the team a sign of what could be a new normal for the Commanders.
“We want that to look like that all the time,” Quinn said. “And sometimes, like yesterday, I took that play of Quan [Martin], he was the one that set it off yesterday. But there is an attitude and a speed that we want to play with. Doesn’t mean we’re always going to play it perfectly or play it just right but there’s an intensity about how we play and when we’re at our best. There’s also a joy that goes with it. I think I saw that with Jayden [Daniels] as well. Here he is smiling as he’s going through it, battling, but also this is a crew that, they’re connected man.
“And so, to see these guys want to fight for one another and get it right, that’s a really important piece. So, we’ll have a work cut out for us, but you’re leaning into the right things about our attitude, our effort, the way we play and when we’re that connected, we’re a problem and we’re going to continue to work hard at that and really protect that.”
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Commanders are clearly making strides, which is a positive to see from the team over the course of the first five weeks. There have been ups and downs, but the Commanders are coming out on the right side of the coin.
If the Commanders can continue this growth, they could emerge into one of the best teams in the league.
The Commanders are back in action for Week 6 against the Chicago Bears at home to host Monday Night Football.
