Steelers' Will Howard Takes Mike Tomlin's Advice And Unlocks Clear Path To Starting Role

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation has been anything but settled. As the 2025 season continues to get closer and no clear indication from Aaron Rodgers on his plans, it's become fair to speculate if the sixth-round rookie quarterback Will Howard could seriously challenge Mason Rudolph for the starting job. The Steelers feel confident in Rudolph if Rodgers decides not to come to the Steel City for 2025. However, Mike Tomlin said something interesting about Howard and his expectations.

Tomlin wants to see Howard take control of the offense, including huddle command and communication. These are crucial aspects for a quarterback, and Tomlin is looking for Howard to display leadership and poise as he continues to develop. Howard has shown promising signs, but there's still a lot to prove before the regular season.

According to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, that's exactly what Howard did early in rookie minicamp. Howard impressed coaches by quickly taking charge and commanding the huddle, which was a major step forward in earning the team's trust. While Rudolph remains the favorite for the starting role if Rodgers doesn't come, Howard's performance could push him to the forefront if he continues to impress as the offseason progresses.

"We only got to watch the morning sessions, and they were walk-throughs," Fittipaldo said. "But I will say this: I was impressed with Howard's command of the huddle and how he interacted with teammates. You can tell he's a quality leader."

It’s crucial to remember how early it is in the offseason for Howard. At this stage, his performance isn’t necessarily a clear indication of whether he can truly challenge for the starting quarterback role. If Rodgers does end up in Pittsburgh, it would dramatically alter the depth chart. However, Howard has already done exactly what Tomlin asked of him by showing leadership and taking control of the offense early on in rookie minicamp.

If Howard continues to impress and demonstrate that same level of command, it’s possible that Tomlin could start to trust him with more responsibility. While it’s unlikely Howard will see any meaningful snaps in 2025, the unpredictability of the NFL means you can never rule anything out. 

In seasons past, the Steelers have had to rely on three quarterbacks due to injuries. And if Rodgers does come to Pittsburgh, his age (41) and the fact that he’s just one season removed from a serious Achilles injury raise some serious concerns. That means Howard and Rudolph will both need to stay sharp and be ready to step in at a moment's notice.

The reality is that the Steelers’ quarterback situation could be fluid throughout the season. The team has a history of navigating injuries at the quarterback position, and with Rodgers’ age and injury history, staying healthy might not be guaranteed. Howard’s early maturity and grasp of the offense could prove vital in keeping the quarterback room competitive, even if he's not the immediate starter. Tomlin’s preference for having multiple capable quarterbacks on the roster might make Howard a crucial backup, ready to step up if needed.

Steelers' Will Howard Likely To Be A Reliable Backup

This situation also highlights the importance of depth in today’s NFL. While a lot of attention will understandably be on the potential arrival of Rodgers, the Steelers can't afford to overlook Howard’s development. If he continues to progress, he could serve as a valuable asset down the road. The team needs to prepare for the unexpected, especially with the unpredictable nature of injuries, and Howard's growth could be a big factor in how the Steelers manage their quarterback room for the future.

While many Steelers fans are optimistic about Howard’s potential, the reality is that it’s challenging for a sixth-round draft pick to make a significant impact in the NFL. For Howard, simply becoming a dependable backup would already be considered a success given his draft position. Anything beyond that would be a pleasant surprise and a major boost for the team. At this point, it’s safe to say that Howard's ceiling appears to be that of a reliable backup, a solid win for the Steelers early in his career.