The Wait Is Over: Howard, Allar Debut in Preseason Opener
Steelers Rookie Quarterbacks Set for Long-Awaited Preseason Debut
The Big Picture
After 873 days—that’s 124 weeks or nearly 29 months—without playing a real football game, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar are finally suiting up for live action. Their long wait ends Thursday night when the Steelers host the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium for the 2026 preseason opener.
Important Point: Both quarterbacks missed significant time due to injuries—Howard with a finger injury and Allar with an ankle injury. This preseason game marks their return to competitive football.
Meet the Quarterbacks
Will Howard: The Championship Winner
- Last Game: January 2025 — Led Ohio State to a 34-23 national championship victory over Notre Dame
- Championship Stats: 17 of 21 passes completed, 231 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
- Rushing Ability: Added 57 yards on 16 carries in the title game
- Win Streak: Hasn’t lost since Ohio State began its four-game College Football Playoff run
- Mindset: "I’m so fired up. I can’t wait for the game… I’m going to treat [preseason] as real football."
Drew Allar: The Fresh Start
- Background: Disappointing senior season at Penn State with a three-game losing streak before injury ended his season early
- Draft Status: Steelers’ first of three third-round picks in 2026
- Support System: Learning from three veteran QBs (Rodgers, Rudolph, Howard) plus three dedicated coaches (McCarthy, Angelichio, Arth)
- Focus: "Right now I’ve got to learn as much as I can, and as fast as I can."
The Veteran Presence: Aaron Rodgers
The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is serving as mentor-in-chief:
| Rodgers’ Role | Details |
|---|---|
| Mentorship | Working with Howard for over a year; helping Allar with deep-ball technique |
| Preseason Debut Memory | 21 years ago (2006): 2 of 6 passes, 7 yards, 2 sacks — "It was my Super Bowl… nerves start flooding you" |
| Career Trajectory | Blossomed under current Steelers coach Mike McCarthy’s QB development system |
| Excitement Level | "I’m excited about watching both those guys" |
Important Point: Rodgers knows exactly what these rookies are feeling—he was once a first-round pick sitting behind Brett Favre, terrified in his first preseason game.
Why Preseason Matters (Even If People Say It Doesn’t)
Rodgers explains the unique value of preseason games:
- Real Pressure: "Different when the team is actually rushing you to sack you"
- Athleticism on Display: See how QBs move when lanes open up
- Self-Protection: Learn to slide, not run people over — "It’s not college anymore. There are bigger, stronger, faster guys"
- Live Reps: Nothing simulates "when the bullets are flying"
The Forgotten Veteran: Mason Rudolph
Don’t overlook the QB with proven preseason success:
- First Two Preseasons: 7 TDs, only 2 INTs
- 2022-2023 Stretch: 41 of 65 passes (63%), 419 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
- 2023 Breakthrough: Stepped in as starter → 3-game winning streak → playoff berth
- Perspective: "All you can really do is make the most of each of your reps."
What to Watch Thursday Night
For Will Howard:
- Can he replicate his championship-game poise?
- How does his rushing ability translate against NFL speed?
- Does he protect the ball (zero INTs in title game)?
For Drew Allar:
- Shows progress from Penn State struggles
- Displays command of new offense under McCarthy/Angelichio
- Demonstrates deep-ball improvement from Rodgers’ tutoring
For Both:
- Decision-making under pressure
- Chemistry with rotating offensive line/receivers
- Command of huddle and pre-snap operations
Summary
Thursday night isn’t just a preseason game—it’s a milestone moment for two quarterbacks who’ve waited nearly 2.5 years between real snaps. Will Howard arrives with a national championship pedigree and winning streak. Drew Allar arrives with a clean slate, elite coaching support, and something to prove. Both have Aaron Rodgers—who once stood in their cleats—watching, coaching, and cheering them on. As Rodgers puts it: "It’s a great experience the first time to be out there and be live." For Howard and Allar, the wait is finally over.
FAQ
Why haven’t Howard and Allar played in so long?
Both suffered significant injuries during their final college seasons—Howard a finger injury, Allar an ankle injury—that required extensive recovery time before they were cleared for contact.
Does preseason performance actually matter for rookie QBs?
Yes. While the games don’t count in standings, they’re the only time rookies face live tackling, real pass rush, and game-speed decision-making before the regular season. Coaches evaluate heavily on this tape.
What’s Aaron Rodgers’ role with these young quarterbacks?
Rodgers acts as a player-coach mentor. He’s been working with Howard for over a year and is specifically helping Allar with deep-ball mechanics. He also shares his own rookie experiences to normalize their nerves.
Why did the Steelers draft Allar after a bad senior season?
The coaching staff (McCarthy, Angelichio, Arth) believes in his long-term traits—arm talent, size, football IQ—more than his final college stats. They view him as a developmental project with high upside.
Could either rookie push for the starting job?
Unlikely in 2026. Rodgers is the clear starter. But strong preseason play could position Howard or Allar as the primary backup (over Rudolph) or earn them a spot on the 53-man roster as QB2/QB3.