Two Steelers insiders, Nick Farabaugh and Ray Fittipaldo, just dropped a bombshell, signaling that second-year quarterback Will Howard is in “pole position” to snatch the backup QB job from veteran Mason Rudolph. This isn’t just a friendly camp battle, we’re talking about the final roster spot behind Aaron Rodgers, and it looks like Howard has the inside track.
The Stakes Are Real as Steelers Hit Training Camp
The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially kicking off their 2026 season this Tuesday when they report to St. Vincent College in Latrobe. You know there are going to be plenty of position battles, but few, if any, will draw more eyeballs than the fight for the backup quarterback gig. It’s Mason Rudolph, the guy who’s been around, up against Will Howard. Aaron Rodgers is the starter, obviously. Then there’s Drew Allar, who got picked in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft and is practically guaranteed a spot. That means Howard and Rudolph are going head-to-head for what’s very likely the final quarterback spot on the roster. This is high drama from day one of camp, not some walk-in-the-park competition.
Howard’s Ascent, Rudolph’s Cliff Edge
So, why is everyone suddenly leaning Howard’s way? It’s not just locker room whispers. Farabaugh of PennLive and Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have both publicly stated Howard is in “pole position” to win this job. Remember last year? Howard got absolutely sidelined in preseason with a hand injury he picked up in camp. Talk about a brutal start to a career! But this offseason, he was out there taking QB2 reps in OTAs. That’s a clear signal the team is giving him every chance to earn this.
Rudolph, on the other hand, is walking into camp on the final year of his deal. He’s going to be a free agent in 2027. That’s a huge factor when you’re talking about roster decisions. Yeah, he did step up last year, playing a key role in a Week 11 win against the Cincinnati Bengals and even starting one game when Rodgers was hurt. But does that history outweigh the team’s apparent push for Howard? That’s the million-dollar question.
This Tuesday, when the Steelers hit St. Vincent College, that QB2 battle is going to be *the* story. Will Howard has the momentum, but Rudolph’s got the experience and a contract year to prove his worth. It’s going to be a fascinating watch to see who grabs that final quarterback spot. Every rep, every throw, it all matters now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
Leave a Reply