Will Howard to start at QB vs. Jets
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 13: Will Howard #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Pittsburgh Steelers and their young quarterbacks are coming off respective strong performances against the Green Bay Packers. Second-year signal-caller Will Howard went 7-of-9 for 86 yards and led a touchdown drive at the end of the first half, while Allar had the performance of the preseason thus far, going 10-of-13 for 154 yards and three total touchdowns. Mason Rudolph also had a strong night, going 10-of-11 for 93 yards.
It appears, though, that Mike McCarthy has seen all he needs to see from Rudolph. The Steelers' head coach told the media on Wednesday that Howard will start in the team's Week 2 preseason matchup with the New York Jets, and Allar will follow. They will be the only two quarterbacks that will see playing time, as Aaron Rodgers and Rudolph will be given the night off.
McCarthy emphasized wanting to see the young duo of quarterbacks play as much as possible in the final two preseason games, which could mean this plan will carry over into Week 3 of the preseason when the Steelers travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills.
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