Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo urged the team to creatively manage limited practice reps for young quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar. The challenge arises if Aaron Rodgers returns for the 2026 season, creating a crowded quarterback room. Fittipaldo emphasized evaluating the young players ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft.
The Pittsburgh Steelers added Penn State's Drew Allar in the third round at No. 76 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, joining second-year pro Will Howard under first-year head coach Mike Tomlin. The team awaits a decision from Aaron Rodgers on his 2026 plans. If Rodgers returns, the roster will feature four quarterbacks, including Kyle Rudolph, all needing reps in OTAs, minicamp, and training camp—settings where Rodgers also participates heavily. Will Howard's hand injury last year limited evaluations in preseason and regular-season games, leaving the team with incomplete information on his potential, Fittipaldo noted during an appearance on 93.7 The Fan Thursday. “I think they really gotta be creative guys, practice-wise and training camp,” Fittipaldo said. “Even though Aaron likes to practice a lot, I think they gotta find reps for Will Howard and for [Drew] Allar, and they gotta do it in the preseason games as well.” Fittipaldo stressed the need to assess Howard and Allar fully before investing a first-round pick in the projected loaded 2027 quarterback draft class. The coaching staff faces the task of balancing veteran sharpness with young development to prepare for the season while building long-term options.
