Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard left Thursday night’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills under medical observation, adding an unexpected note of concern to an otherwise modest bounce-back outing.
The second-year signal-caller, a 2025 sixth-round pick out of Ohio State, started and played the entire first half at Highmark Stadium before reporting an issue during the second half. Team doctors continued evaluating him after the game, and he was unavailable to meet with reporters.
Howard completed 9 of 15 passes for 69 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The two scoring throws marked his first as a professional and came after a difficult showing a week earlier against the New York Jets, when he threw a pair of interceptions.
He was sacked three times for a 22-yard loss and still displayed some of the decision-making questions that have followed him through camp. Even so, the performance represented a step forward from the previous week and kept him in the conversation for a roster spot as the Steelers prepare to trim to 53 players.
The nature of the evaluation has not been officially confirmed by the team, though multiple reports indicated the staff was checking for a possible head injury.
As of late Thursday evening, there was no further update. Howard, a West Chester, Pennsylvania, native who spent his rookie season as an emergency third quarterback after missing preseason with a broken finger, has drawn praise from new head coach Mike McCarthy for his development.
He entered the night competing with rookie third-round pick Drew Allar for the No. 3 job behind veteran Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
Pittsburgh is widely expected to keep four quarterbacks, an unusual but plausible decision given the age of Rodgers and the desire to develop both young players.
A significant injury for Howard would complicate that picture and could elevate Allar by default. The Steelers closed the preseason 1-2 after Buffalo scored late and converted a two-point attempt for a 28-27 win. Allar finished the game after Howard departed.
Roster cuts arrive Sunday. Howard’s health status will be one of the first items the organization addresses before turning its attention to the regular-season opener against Atlanta on Sept. 13.
For a young quarterback still trying to prove he belongs, the timing of the evaluation is unfortunate, even if the injury itself proves minor.
The Steelers will now wait for the medical staff’s findings before deciding how he fits into their crowded quarterback room.
