‘It kills me’ – Former Ohio State QB Will Howard makes tough admission following unfortunate setback with the Steelers
The former Buckeye was set for a potentially big preseason.
A number of former Ohio State Buckeyes are preparing for their first NFL seasons with training camp in full swing. While there’s been plenty of good news surrounding the rookies, there’s also been some not-so-good news.
Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard suffered a broken bone in his hand last week during practice in what he’s calling a “freak accident.” Howard had been gearing up to see significant action for the Steelers in the preseason — likely his only chance for any snaps this year behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
Howard spoke to the media about his injury for the first time on Tuesday, and it’s clear how badly he wants to be on the field.
“I mean, it sucks. Every ounce of me wants to be out there playing, and I’m just sitting here doing nothing,” Howard said. “It kills me, especially on something that felt dumb to me — you know, just a freak accident. But things happen. It’s about how you respond to it. I wish I could go back and change it. I wish I could be out there playing. But the fact of the matter is, it happened. I’ve got to continue to stay locked in and make sure I’m still on my stuff, being locked in during meetings and during practice, and still getting all the mental reps, because this time is still important for me.
“If I want to continue on the trajectory that I was on — and I felt like I was doing well — I need to continue to make steps and strides, even though I can’t necessarily do it physically out there.”
Perspective from the Steelers beat
“Will Howard spoke to the media for the first time since suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand, and you could tell he was frustrated by the situation. A player familiar with adversity, Howard had a level-headed response while remaining optimistic about what’s to come. The important thing here: Howard’s hand didn’t require surgery. The freak nature of the situation is an obvious bummer for Howard and the Steelers, as now we may have to wait until next preseason to see him in action. There’s a chance he plays in the final week, but with the Steelers on a short week after this Saturday’s game (Carolina on Thursday the 21st), he’ll need to get back to throwing sooner rather than later.” — Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports
Howard spent just one season at Ohio State after transferring from Kansas State, but he quickly became a fan favorite for his leadership and gutsy play. He threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns in Columbus last year, helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship.
Despite the injury, Howard is still staying involved as much as he can. If you followed his one year in Columbus, this will come as no surprise.
That title alone ensures Buckeye Nation will be behind him throughout his NFL journey, even through tough stretches like this one.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
Former Michigan Wolverines star left an Ohio State practice making quite the admission about the Buckeyes
He called it like he watched it happen and it could mean good things for the Buckeyes.
