Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has continued to express confidence in rookie quarterback Will Howard during training camp. McCarthy highlighted Howard's natural football instincts and quick adaptation to the team's system. The comments come as Howard competes for a roster spot alongside veteran Mason Rudolph.
McCarthy said he has seen Howard meet every expectation set by the coaching staff. He noted that football comes naturally to Howard and described him as a sponge who absorbs information quickly.
Howard worked with the second-team offense during the spring but faced a shift in reps once training camp began. McCarthy has praised the rookie consistently since taking over as head coach, including earlier remarks that Howard would definitely become an NFL starter someday.
With Aaron Rodgers limited in reps, Howard is expected to rotate with Rudolph on the first-team offense. The Steelers have four quarterbacks vying for opportunities, and McCarthy has left open the possibility of keeping all four on the roster.
Howard's first live preseason action against another team is scheduled in less than two weeks.
