The Pittsburgh Steelers ' quarterback room is once again at the forefront of the conversation among fans and analysts.
Whether it is speculation over whether Aaron Rodgers will suit up for Pittsburgh in 2026 or the ongoing debate about the future of the position, the Steelers once again find themselves surrounded by quarterback questions.
But Steelers insider Gerry Dulac recently shed light on a potential outcome that would be a reality check for a large portion of the fan base: Will Howard may not even make the 53-man roster.
During a recent chat, Dulac was asked by a reader if he could see Howard being cut and spending the year on the Steelers' practice squad if Mason Rudolph remains on the roster.
"I could see that happening, but I'm not laying money on it right now," Dulac said.
That possibility would certainly be a shake-up, but it is not impossible to understand.
Howard's situation is interesting. He has yet to take a snap in an NFL regular-season game, and most of what the Steelers have seen from him has come during practice, team periods and developmental work behind the scenes. Still, since being selected in the sixth round, Howard has become a fan favorite. There are plenty of fans who believe he could be the developmental quarterback the team has been searching for since Ben Roethlisberger retired.
But the Steelers' actions may tell a different story.
While new head coach Mike McCarthy has spoken highly of Howard in the past, Pittsburgh used a third-round pick in his first draft on Drew Allar, a high-upside quarterback prospect with size, arm talent and developmental traits. That does not automatically mean the organization is out on Howard, but it does make his standing less clear than some fans may want to believe.
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in a game against Villanova on Sept. 13, 2025. — Matthew Lynch / Nittany Sports Now
If the Steelers viewed Howard as a crystal-clear long-term option, it is fair to wonder if they would have invested a Day 2 pick in another developmental quarterback so quickly.
On the surface, cutting Howard before he ever gets a real chance to suit up would feel harsh. But Dulac's comments put his situation into perspective. Rodgers, if he plays, is the veteran with the hall of fame résumé. Rudolph brings experience, familiarity and a steady presence. Howard and Allar are both unproven, but Allar has the advantage of higher draft capital and more obvious physical upside.
That could play a factor when the Steelers are building their final roster.
Howard spending a year on the practice squad may sound extreme to fans who have bought into his potential, but the NFL is not built around fan favorites. It is built around roster spots, investment and projection.
And right now, Howard's popularity may be stronger than his actual standing inside the quarterback room.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Insider Drops Brutal Reality Check on Will Howard's Future
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