Steelers Shocked as Rookie QB Fractures Throwing Hand, Misses Preseason Debut

Steelers Nation just got hit with some unexpected and frustrating news — rookie quarterback Will Howard is out for at least three weeks after fracturing a bone in his throwing hand during practice on Tuesday.

The injury occurred at Saint Vincent College during a padded team drill, just days before Pittsburgh’s preseason opener. NFL insider Ian Rapoport was the first to report the injury, citing sources close to the situation. While surgery is not expected, Howard will undergo additional tests and is not expected to suit up for any of the three preseason games.

For a sixth-round pick trying to climb the quarterback depth chart, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Howard had been impressing both fans and coaches during camp. A 2024 national champion at Ohio State, he threw 35 touchdown passes last season and was drafted with the 185th overall pick. Hailing from Chester County, Pennsylvania, Howard was seen by many as a potential hometown success story — a gritty, big-arm prospect with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.

Now? He’s watching from the sidelines.

Pittsburgh’s initial depth chart, released Tuesday morning, listed Howard as QB3 behind Mason Rudolph and ahead of Skylar Thompson. With Howard down, Thompson is likely to see more action in upcoming games against the Jaguars (Aug. 9), Buccaneers (Aug. 16), and Panthers (Aug. 21).

Head coach Mike Tomlin has yet to speak publicly about the injury, but the message is clear: development at the quarterback position just hit a snag.

It’s a tough break for a player who had been making all the right strides. According to local reporters in Latrobe, Howard had become a quiet fan favorite — showing poise in red-zone drills and leading second-team huddles with confidence. His absence now opens the door for Thompson to push harder for a roster spot, and for Howard to show how quickly he can recover, both mentally and physically.

The Steelers return to practice Wednesday afternoon. But one of their most intriguing rookies will be watching, not throwing.