Steelers news: All eyes are on Will Howard, Drew Allar

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - AUGUST 13: Will Howard #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy will sit both Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph in Week 2 of the preseason in an effort to get a better look at Will Howard and Drew Allar against the New York Jets. Pittsburgh has an interesting decision to make. While it appears Rudolph is the backup quarterback, the two rookies have flashed, and any attempt to stash either on the practice squad will leave them open to be poached.

The question is if Howard shows enough in the final two preseason games, will the Steelers put Rudolph on the trade block? It certainly is a good problem to have, and Rudolph admitted he is jealous of the program in place for the rookies headed by McCarthy. Tonight will be very interesting.

For now, here is Thursday's Three Rivers Report.

Steelers coverage from Behind The Steel Curtain

• Miami named as a trade partner for Rudolph: Not a bad idea for a team rebuilding
• Make-or-break position battles to watch tonight: We are approaching the stretch run toward cutdown day
• Rudolph is a bit jealous of the rookie quarterbacks: There is a good plan in place for Howard and Allar

Steelers discussion: Too early for draft season?

It's never too early to peek at the 2027 draft season, right?

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Pittsburgh Steelers news and notes

• How to watch Steelers vs Jets: Make your plans for tonight
• What attracted the Steelers to Max Iheanachor: Some good intel from a Steelers insider
• Keep an eye on Kaden Wetjen tonight: One of the more interesting players aiming for a roster spot

News from around the NFL

• Which international cities are best for an NFL franchise: Here are six possibilities
• Breakout candidate for Houston is done for the season: Awful news for Jayden Higgins and the Texans
• Chargers hit with the injury bug during joint practice with the 49ers: That damn substation

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