How latest Aaron Rodgers saga is helping Steelers' Mike McCarthy learn about Will Howard

Aaron Rodgers seemingly won't be signing a one-year contract to rejoin the Pittsburgh Steelers before the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway on Thursday evening, so 2025 rookie Will Howard and longtime backup Mason Rudolph are handling quarterback duties during the team's bonus minicamp sessions. 

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy indicated that this is a "very beneficial time for" Howard and Rudolph.

Will Howard already impressing Mike McCarthy during springtime workouts?

"They split all the reps today, the last two days," McCarthy said about Howard and Rudolph, per Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. "And that's just great work. And when you see it improve from one day to the next, that's what you're looking for. ...Those reps are so valuable." 

That's particularly true regarding Howard, who took no in-game snaps as a rookie. He nevertheless had a fan in McCarthy before this week, and it seems like the coach continues to like what he sees from the 24-year-old. 

"I think the level of conditioning and preparation, I know just meeting with him in January compared to today, you know, he's had a really good offseason," McCarthy said about Howard. "He's in much better shape. I've been very impressed with his movement skills. We're just two days into footwork drills, which we've been allowed to do the last two days. So, I've been impressed."

Mike McCarthy gives non-update on Aaron Rodgers

Earlier on Tuesday, Steelers president Art Rooney II suggested that a Rodgers decision could be made public at some point "over the next couple weeks." Fans may be annoyed about the will-he-or-won't-he saga, but McCarthy seemingly isn't losing sleep over the fact that Rodgers isn't with the Steelers this week. 

"I think Aaron is probably more in tune than we would realize, but I have confidence in where he would be the day he would arrive, if that's his decision," McCarthy said about Rodgers, per Steelers Depot. "But what I've learned through instituting an offseason program, there are benefits of periods where your veterans aren't here."

Perhaps McCarthy understands that Rodgers simply doesn't want to participate in voluntary workouts held in the Pittsburgh area at this point in his Hall of Fame career.