The Duel for Depth: Who Will Stand Behind Rodgers?
Training Camp Kicks Off with Key Quarterback Contest
The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially commencing their 2026 season as players report to St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, for training camp. Among the numerous positional contests, the fight for the backup quarterback role is drawing considerable attention.
Howard and Rudolph Square Off for QB2 Role
Veteran signal-caller Mason Rudolph and second-year quarterback Will Howard are set to compete intensely for the coveted No. 2 spot, directly behind star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Given that Drew Allar, a third-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is almost certainly guaranteed a roster spot, the battle between Howard and Rudolph will likely determine the final quarterback on the team's depth chart.
Insider Views: Howard Emerges as Frontrunner
Despite Rudolph's previous contributions, including a crucial victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 and a start in relief of an injured Aaron Rodgers, two prominent Steelers analysts suggest that Will Howard is in a prime position to secure the QB2 role. Nick Farabaugh of PennLive and Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in separate interviews on 93.7 The Fan, both indicated Howard as the leading candidate.
Howard's Progress and Rudolph's Contract Status
Howard's rookie preseason was cut short last year due to a hand injury sustained during camp, preventing him from showcasing his abilities. Meanwhile, Rudolph is entering the final year of his current contract with the Steelers and is expected to become a free agent in 2027.
Early Indications from Offseason Activities
During Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Howard was notably observed participating in QB2 drills, a clear sign that the Steelers organization is providing him with every opportunity to earn the backup position.
