Former Steelers QB Sends Challenge to Will Howard

With plenty of hype surrounding Will Howard as he heads into his second NFL season, a former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback issued somewhat of a challenge to the 24-year-old.

During a recent episode of "The Snap Count" show, Charlie Batch urged Howard to step up to the plate and prove that he deserves the starting job with the Steelers in 2026.

“Prove that this is your job. Go out there and take it,” Batch said.

"Prove that this is your job. Go out there and take it." 🫵@CharlieBatch16 believes this system gives Will Howard the perfect shot at QB1 👀 Do you roll with him? #HereWeGo

Win a FREE Bath: https://t.co/xXhGL6AoFF pic.twitter.com/ZsPTnCfYIw
— The Snap Count (@SnapCountShow) April 1, 2026

Howard's path towards meaningful playing time could be muddied by Aaron Rodgers' presence, assuming the 42-year-old does in fact re-sign with Pittsburgh, but the former still has plenty to prove and a prime opportunity in front of him both in the short- and long-term.

Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images | Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Howard's Lost Time

A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft who was fresh off winning a national title in his lone season under center with Ohio State, Howard entered the league with plenty of fanfare.

After what was by all accounts an impressive showing at rookie minicamp, Howard bounced back from an admittedly rough start to OTAs and carried plenty of momentum into training camp.

Just as he was heating up in Latrobe, however, Howard suffered a freak hand injury on a center exchange during practice. As a result, he never suited up in any of the Steelers' three preseason games and was placed on the reserve/injured list to begin the regular season.

Howard was later activated ahead of Pittsburgh's Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, though he never saw any game action as a rookie.

While he lost plenty of valuable developmental reps, the hope is that Howard will make up for lost time and grow into a potential starter for the Steelers in the near future.

Does Howard Actually Have a Chance to Play in 2026?

As previously mentioned, Howard has just about no chance of logging any real snaps this upcoming season if Rodgers returns, barring an injury.

In a scenario where Rodgers and the Steelers can't come to terms on a new deal for one reason or another, however, Howard would essentially become the favorite to start in 2026, though it's possible that Mason Rudolph or even an incoming rookie could push Howard for the top spot on the depth chart.

There's certainly some risk involved with handing him the reins to Mike McCarthy's offense, but that's a concern that will be ironed out as the offseason program progresses. It also helps that McCarthy has spoken glowingly of Howard at nearly every turn since being hired in January.

It remains to be seen how Pittsburgh will handle Howard in 2026, but it's clear that the organization is invested in waiting out his development for the time being.

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