Head coach Mike McCarthy again hinted at a wild plan, indicating the Steelers are set on keeping all four quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. This isn’t just a rumor either, McCarthy alluded to it after their 28-27 preseason loss to Buffalo on Thursday. He sounds genuinely confident in the room, telling reporters, “I feel good about the quarterback room. I’ve been saying it for quite some time, and they’ve showed it on the field. We’ve got two veterans that we can win with, and we’ve got two young guys that we’re really excited about their future.”
The Young Guns Showed Out, But The Stakes Are High
That preseason finale saw second-year quarterback Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar split snaps down the middle. Howard, who started and played the first half, put up 9 of 15 for 69 yards, adding two touchdowns but also throwing an interception. Allar took over for the second half, going 9 of 18 for 88 yards with no scores and no picks. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but the coach’s belief in developing these young guys is clear. The big question looms, though: what if they *don’t* actually keep four? Nothing’s set until that final 53-man roster is locked in, and if Pittsburgh decides to change course, things get real interesting.
Aaron Rodgers at 42: The Ultimate Playoff Bet?
If the Steelers *do* cut down to fewer than four quarterbacks, the article makes one thing brutally clear: Aaron Rodgers is the guy they’re starting. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it forces a look at the entire 2026 season for Pittsburgh. Oddsmakers have their Over/Under at 8.5 wins, putting them right on the playoff bubble. They’ve gone 10-7 with a wild card playoff loss each of the last three years, and they’re staring down a 10-year drought without a playoff win. Rodgers, even at 42, is seen as their best shot to win a playoff game and maybe more. This is his second and final season with the team, and the Steelers are obviously committed to contending for a title every single year.
Sure, he’s 42. He can’t move like he used to, and he’s not a fan of big hits, which can lead to rushed throws. But his elite football IQ, legendary throwing touch, and competitive drive are still there. He put up solid numbers last year despite a “subpar receiving corps,” and the expectation is he’ll be even better this season. The team is trying to balance an incredible 22 consecutive non-losing seasons with the push for a playoff victory. Keeping four QBs is one thing, but if they have to make a tough call, Rodgers is the undisputed starter they’re banking on to get them over that playoff hump. With the roster finalization deadline approaching, all eyes are on that quarterback room.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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