Steelers' quarterback room receives a major upgrade following latest roster decision from Pittsburgh's decision makers

Howard missed the latter portion of camp and all of the preseason after suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand, landing on the injured reserve at the end of August. His activation window had been open for three weeks, and the Steelers had to decide whether to bring Howard back or leave him on the reserved list for the rest of the season.

"It was like all that joy of being a little kid playing football again came back," said Howard via Steelers.com "My first two plays (when I returned) on the scout team, I handed the ball off. I don't think I've ever smiled more on two handoff plays in my life. I was just happy to be back out there."

Barring a serious injury or utter collapse from Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in general, Howard won't be seeing any playtime this year. That being said, the Steelers now have their emergency third quarterback, and the room looks much better than it has.

Steelers injury report, Wednesday, Week 11

Broderick Jones is the headliner here. Say what you want about his play, but going into a game without your starting LT, even if there is no Trey Hendrickson, isn't where any team wants to be with a 41-year-old QB.

Darius Slay continues to be in concussion protocol and will be on a day-to-day basis, potentially through game time. Asante Samuel Jr. is on the practice squad, but that can change, leading all the way up to Saturday.

We'll see if Pittsburgh decides to throw him in the fire this week.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.