Will Howard Ruled Out for Saturday Night Matchup as Steelers Continue to Monitor Rookie’s Recovery
The Pittsburgh Steelers will once again be without rookie quarterback Will Howard on Saturday night, as the team confirmed he will not play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to his lingering finger injury. The update comes after days of speculation and growing anticipation among fans eager to see the first-year passer take the field for meaningful snaps. Instead, Howard remains in recovery mode, still working his way back from the broken pinky finger he suffered on his throwing hand earlier in camp.
The injury, which occurred during an early-August practice, initially looked minor. Trainers taped the finger, and Howard stayed on the field briefly before heading to the locker room for imaging. What followed, however, was a more extended setback than expected. While the break didn’t require surgery — a relief for both the player and the organization — the healing process has proven slower than the team hoped.
Coaches have been cautious with the rookie, opting to limit his throws and gradually increase his workload over the past two weeks. Howard has returned to practice in a controlled capacity, participating in individual drills and short passing sessions, but he has yet to be fully cleared for game action. The Steelers placed him on injured reserve to start the season, and though he has been designated to return, the final step — activation — has not happened.
Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation briefly during the week, emphasizing the long-term approach the team is taking with their young quarterback. “We’re encouraged by his progress,” Tomlin said. “But we’re not rushing anything. Will’s health comes first, and we want to make sure he’s in the right condition to perform at his best when he does step back onto the field.”
Howard’s absence means the Steelers will roll ahead with their current depth chart, giving backup quarterbacks more opportunities to handle preseason and early-season duties. For Howard, the delay is frustrating but not surprising. Team insiders have noted his discipline in rehab, his constant presence in film sessions, and his commitment to staying mentally sharp even while sidelined.
Still, fans have been waiting for a clear timeline — and for now, that remains uncertain. The team expects Howard to return “soon,” but the definition of “soon” can vary widely in the NFL. With the schedule tightening and competition increasing, each missed game raises more questions about when the rookie will finally make his debut.
As Saturday night approaches, Steelers fans will have to watch another game without their newest quarterback. The hope, however, is that this patience will pay off — and that when Howard finally takes the field, he’ll be fully ready to show why Pittsburgh invested in him.
Do you think the Steelers are being too cautious or making the right call? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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