Steelers’ Will Howard Breaks Silence on IR Stint: ‘I Gotta Trust the Process’
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to place rookie quarterback Will Howard on injured reserve before the start of the 2025 season drew plenty of attention. Some analysts, like Mark Kaboly, even warned the move could turn into a “lost year” for the young signal-caller.
But Howard isn’t buying that narrative.
Speaking on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show, the rookie QB opened up about his mindset after suffering a broken pinky on August 5 that sidelined him for the entire preseason. Instead of frustration, Howard is focusing on the long-term picture:
“I think all along I was looking at this season as a developmental year. Obviously, you don’t bring in Aaron Rodgers for no reason—he’s here to lead this team. For me, it’s about learning everything I can from him, watching the way he goes about his business, and growing from that.”
Howard admitted the injury was disappointing, but emphasized that the setback doesn’t change his plan for 2025. With Rodgers in Pittsburgh, he was never expected to start Week 1 anyway. His goal now is to absorb as much knowledge as possible from a future Hall of Famer while preparing himself for the years ahead.
“I gotta trust it and understand that this is all part of my development. In the long run, I just gotta keep working. Use this year as a developmental year.” – Will Howard
Despite missing the preseason, Howard had already impressed during early training camp sessions with his poise and arm strength. Fans were buzzing about his potential before the injury, and the Steelers still believe he can grow even from the sidelines.
Kaboly, however, remains skeptical:
“Will Howard needs reps, plain and simple. If he doesn’t get them, you risk wasting a year of development.”
The earliest Howard can return from IR is after Week 4, but even then, Mason Rudolph is slotted as the backup to Rodgers and Skylar Thompson is in the mix at QB3. That likely means Howard’s rookie year will be spent mostly watching, studying, and waiting.
For the rookie, though, that’s not a problem. Instead of dwelling on what he’s lost, Howard is embracing the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation.
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