Steelers' Mike McCarthy explains interesting QB plan for Jets game

A Wednesday report claimed that veteran Mason Rudolph has the lead over 2025 rookie Will Howard in the battle for the Pittsburgh Steelers' primary backup quarterback job. 

It sounds like Rudolph may have earned the gig ahead of the Steelers' preseason home game versus the New York Jets this coming Friday.

Mike McCarthy explains Mason Rudolph decision for Jets game

Per Chris Ward of Steelers Now, McCarthy confirmed on Wednesday that Howard will get the start against the Jets. From there, 2026 third-round draft pick Drew Allar will play. 

"I saw what I needed to see from Mason last week," McCarthy said about his decision. 

It's not shocking that Pittsburgh starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't play against the Jets, his employer for the 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons. Rodgers hasn't hidden that he views preseason games as "not real football," and the 42-year-old likely has little to gain in risking his health by playing in an exhibition contest. 

That said, it was previously assumed that each of Pittsburgh's other three quarterbacks would take snaps against the Jets after they produced solid numbers in the Steelers' preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 13. Rudolph started that game and went 10-of-11 passing for 93 yards. Howard completed seven of nine passes for 86 yards, while Allar connected on 10 of 13 attempts for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Allar also scored a rushing touchdown. 

Why Mike McCarthy wants to see more of Will Howard, Drew Allar

"I think you understand, they’re young," McCarthy said about wanting to see more of Howard and Allar against the Jets, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "Will didn’t get to play last year. Drew’s a first-year player. Have two veterans I feel really good about, obviously, with Aaron and Mason. Saw what I needed to see from Mason last week. I’ve talked highly about Mason, really, since the spring. So I want to max out the opportunities for both Will and Drew." 

On Wednesday, Steelers reporter Mike DeFabo of The Athletic shared that the possibility of the team "keeping four quarterbacks seems to be gaining momentum." If that isn't accurate, Howard may find himself playing for his spot on the roster during the Jets game and in Pittsburgh's preseason finale at the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 27.