The preseason was supposed to be Will Howard’s opportunity to show what he could do as an NFL rookie for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unfortunately, an injury will prevent Howard from getting that chance.
Howard fractured a bone in his throwing hand during practice on Tuesday and is expected to miss at least three weeks, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Unless he can return sooner than expected, that means Howard will miss all three of the Steelers’ preseason games.
#Steelers rookie QB Will Howard, who banged his throwing hand in practice, suffered a fractured small bone in his hand, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 6, 2025
Hes having additional tests, but its likely no surgery is required. Hes expected to miss at least 3 weeks, but more info coming. pic.twitter.com/ngij5xxxr5
The Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of this year’s NFL draft (No. 185 overall) after he quarterbacked Ohio State to a national championship last season. Howard is expected to be the Steelers’ third-string quarterback this season behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
