Steelers Now
UNITY TWP, Pa. — Will Howard left Tuesday’s training camp practice early, then was diagnosed with a fractured small bone in his hand later that night. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin believes it’s possible the rookie quarterback could return in time to play in one of the team’s two preseason games that remain after Saturday.
“I would characterize it as week-to-week at this juncture. I’ll be optimistic and we’ll see what next week holds,” Tomlin said during a Thursday press conference.
Tomlin was then asked if it’s possible Howard could play this preseason.
“Certainly,” Tomlin said.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport said surgery likely won’t be required, but Howard is expected to miss at least three weeks. The Steelers drafted the Ohio State product in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He passed for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Ryan Day’s Buckeyes, who won the College Football Playoff national title.
While Skylar Thompson slides into the No. 3 spot in the signal-caller room, the Steelers signed passer Logan Woodside on Thursday. Woodside has spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons since being selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
“He’s no stranger to the NFL,” Tomlin said. “He’s had a past relationship with Arthur Smith. Given the circumstances with Will Howard, we thought that that was appropriate. He’ll be a quick study. We’ll work hard over the next 48 hours, and he’ll certainly have game availability. Whether or not he plays remains to be seen, but that was the intention.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Tomlin: Steelers Rookie Will Howard Could Play in Preseason
