Will Howard just got one step closer to being the Steelers’ starting quarterback following latest update on Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers started voluntary minicamp on Monday, and Aaron Rodgers wasn’t there. So the Steelers made a big decision with Will Howard, and it could foreshadow what’s to come in 2026.
The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ 2026 season began on Monday for all intents and purposes. That’s because, under the direction of head coach Mike McCarthy, the team started voluntary minicamp, and as you can imagine, quarterback Aaron Rodgers wasn’t there.
Well, someone has to run the drills and be quarterback No.1, and that man was Will Howard when things kicked off in Pittsburgh.
Steelers name Will Howard QB 1 ahead of voluntary minicamp
“The Steelers have not received word from Aaron Rodgers on his future, and there is no expectation of a final decision prior to the NFL Draft, per me and Tom Pelissero. When minicamp begins today under new coach Mike McCarthy, Will Howard will be QB1. At this point in the offseason, these reps are more important for Howard, a sixth-round pick last year who has many fans — including Aaron Rodgers.” – Ian Rapoport, NFL Network (via Instagram)
Could Will Howard actually start for the Steelers in 2026?
As the roster is currently constructed, the Steelers have just two quarterbacks on their 2026 depth chart: Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Now that will change after Saturday, as the Steelers will be drafting a rookie quarterback one way or another, but the elephant in the room remains Rodgers.
“On Aaron, I know you guys are gonna ask me. On Aaron, you know, we’ve had some great communication with Aaron, and nothing’s changed,” said Steelers GM Omar Khan during his pre-draft presser on Monday. “It’s all been positive and good. And you know, I said the same to you guys in March when we met. He knows how we feel about him, and we know how he feels about us.”
It’s the same message from the front office. The same sentiment. But at some point, Rodgers has to show up. Or the Steelers have to make a play in the NFL Draft for a quarterback like Ty Simpson.
If neither of those things happens, then it won’t be Howard taking starting reps during minicamps, OTAs, or training camp; it will be Howard as the starting quarterback come Week 1 in September.