Steelers Keep 2 Young QBs on 53-Man Roster as 17-0 Jets Loss Deepens Backup Questions
Updated
Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 22
Steelers Keep 2 Young QBs on 53-Man Roster as 17-0 Jets Loss Deepens Backup Questions
3 articles · Updated · NBC Sports · Aug 22
Summary
Pittsburgh plans to carry Will Howard and Drew Allar on its 53-man roster, with Gerry Dulac reporting the decision was made before Friday’s preseason finale.
Waiver risk drove the move: the Steelers do not expect either young quarterback to clear waivers and make it back to the practice squad.
A 17-0 loss to the Jets still sharpened concerns about depth behind 42-year-old starter Aaron Rodgers, with veteran Mason Rudolph listed as the backup and not playing.
Howard finished 10-of-15 for 74 yards with 2 interceptions, while Allar went 11-of-23 for 110 yards and took 3 sacks after both had shown earlier preseason promise.
The roster call follows coach Mike McCarthy’s decision to give Howard and Allar the preseason-finale snaps, underscoring Pittsburgh’s push to develop young quarterbacks even as backup uncertainty lingers.