Former NFL general manager Doug Whaley believes the Pittsburgh Steelers may try to keep quarterback Mason Rudolph on their practice squad this season. The idea stems from recent league rule changes that allow teams more flexibility with veteran players.
Whaley made the comments Wednesday on 93.7 The Fan. He noted that teams can now keep up to six players with unlimited accrued seasons on the practice squad. This option gives the Steelers a way to retain four quarterbacks if they choose.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy stated he plans to keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster and possibly a fourth on the practice squad. Speaking after voluntary minicamp on April 21, 2026, at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, McCarthy said Will Howard and Mason Rudolph have been splitting first-team reps amid uncertainty over Aaron Rodgers' future. He also praised the team's defensive line, running back Rico Dowdle and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
James Harrison and Bryant McFadden, former Pittsburgh Steelers players, have voiced concerns over the team's quarterback situation if Aaron Rodgers returns. Harrison argues Mason Rudolph should be cut, while McFadden sees the draft pick of Drew Allar as raising more questions. Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly predicts Allar as the 2027 starter.
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Dave Dameshek believes the Pittsburgh Steelers will move on from Will Howard amid a crowded quarterback room. The analyst made the comments on his Football America show following recent roster moves. He expects Mason Rudolph to remain as the preferred backup option.
Pittsburgh Steelers are waiting for free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide on his future as the 2026 season approaches. Former Steelers great Rod Woodson expressed frustration with the delay, urging the team to move forward. The team has limited quarterback options, including sixth-round pick Will Howard and Mason Rudolph.
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ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor states that the Pittsburgh Steelers and quarterback Aaron Rodgers are engaging in ongoing positive discussions about a potential return. Rodgers remains aware of the team's roster moves amid free agency. No firm decision has been made yet on his future.
Building on an active free agency and trade for Michael Pittman Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers added a 10-player 2026 draft class to bolster their roster under new coach Mike McCarthy. Beat writer Mike DeFabo assesses the team as stronger overall, though uncertainties linger at offensive line, defense, and quarterback.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger proposed a two-year quarterback strategy for the team during a recent appearance on the Deebo & Joe podcast. He urged patience with free agent Aaron Rodgers while suggesting Josh Dobbs as a veteran backup and Will Howard as starter if Rodgers departs. Roethlisberger predicted Rodgers would return for another season.