PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers could bring quarterback Will Howard off injured reserve after missing the first four games with a broken bone in his throwing hand he suffered in training camp.

The injury occurred on a freak snap exchange during an August practice, causing Howard to miss the entire preseason and the first four weeks of the season.

However, with Skylar Thompson on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, it could be Howard’s time to return as the third quarterback.

Quarterbacks coach Tom Arth says that if Howard is slated to return, he looks great, and is ready to come back at a moment’s notice.

“Will [Howard] has handled the injury as a professional, just as we would expect him to. Really appreciative of our athletic training staff, our strength and conditioning staff. They’ve done a fantastic job working with Will,” Arth said. “I think he’s in great shape right now. He’s been in as good a shape as he’s been since he’s been a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

Howard, a former Ohio State star and Pennsylvania native, is in his first season with the Steelers after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

He impressed in his limited time at training camp before the injury, and was on track to win the QB3 job. However, zero in-game reps for Howard is a splash of cold water on any thoughts about Howard.

Pittsburgh Steelers Beat Writer