The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room is entering a decisive phase after a strong preseason, with Skylar Thompson pushing for a roster spot alongside Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Rudolph remains the veteran edge in the competition thanks to his familiarity with the Steelers dating back to his previous stint with the team from 2018 to 2023. The big question now is what will happen with Will Howard.
Howard showed promise in mandatory minicamp and the early days of training camp, but a finger injury has kept him out of the preseason, opening the door for Thompson. In two appearances, Thompson has connected on 30 of 43 passes for 346 yards and three touchdowns—a productivity level that would usually secure a spot on many teams.
Mike Tomlin Praises Skylar Thompson
After the Steelers’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tomlin was candid about Thompson’s performance. The head coach stressed that Thompson’s NFL experience and calm approach aren’t surprising, calling him a diligent worker who isn’t overwhelmed by the moment. “This guy’s played some NFL football. He’s had some starts and so forth in Miami. So, I’m not surprised that it’s not too big for him. I’m not surprised that his talent is showing. He’s a diligent worker. One man’s misfortune is often times another man’s opportunity. We live by that and certainly Will’s misfortune is his opportunity. He’s taken a nice advantage of it.”
A Tough QB Dilemma for the Steelers
With Howard’s injury keeping him from the field, the Steelers face a difficult decision about who will hold the No. 3 quarterback job as the 2025 season approaches. If Howard isn’t ready to contribute, Thompson’s strong showing creates a compelling case to keep him in the mix. Yet Pittsburgh also values Howard’s long-term potential as a rookie, making a final call a delicate balancing act.
Could roster space force a move?
Given the three-man quarterback room and limited roster space, Pittsburgh could find itself weighing options such as trading or waiving a veteran or a developmental player if Thompson continues to excel and Howard’s status remains uncertain. The team has already indicated that Howard won’t be cut or relegated to the practice squad solely because of a current injury, underscoring the organizers’ belief in his future.
What this means for Steelers fans
– Depth at quarterback is improving, giving Pittsburgh more options if injuries strike.
– Rudolph remains a steady backup, but Thompson’s performances have added a real dimension of competition.
– Howard’s health and development will be a key storyline as roster decisions tighten later in the season.
Summary and outlook
Thompson’s preseason numbers and Tomlin’s endorsement have put him firmly in the conversation for No. 3 quarterback, even as Rudolph’s familiarity with the team keeps him in the mix. Howard’s recovery timeline and long-term potential will shape how the Steelers finalize their quarterback depth in the coming weeks. If Thompson maintains his momentum, Pittsburgh could enter the regular season with a surprisingly strong trio at the position, ready to adapt to whatever the season demands.
Overall, this competition highlights the Steelers’ growing depth at quarterback and sets the stage for an intriguing September as they trim the roster and prepare for the start of the 2025 season.