by: Griffin McVeigh 58 minutes ago griffin_mcveigh
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard suffered a fractured small bone in one of his hands. The injury occurred during practice and thankfully, no surgery will be required. A few weeks on the shelf will be required, though — a brutal blow for Howard in his first NFL training camp.
“#Steelers rookie QB Will Howard, who banged his throwing hand in practice, suffered a fractured small bone in his hand, sources say,” Rapoport said via X. “He’s having additional tests, but it’s likely no surgery is required. He’s expected to miss at least 3 weeks, but more info coming.”
There is not much doubt about who will be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback Week 1. Aaron Rodgers was signed for a reason, bringing in the veteran with the hopes of winning a Super Bowl. Pending his health, Rodgers will be out there when the Steelers face off against the New York Jets on Sept. 7.
However, this type of year can be critical for a young guy like Howard. He will miss a ton of practice reps and even all of the preseason. You have to imagine Howard would have gotten out there against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday night. Pittsburgh will also face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Aug. 16) and Carolina Panthers (Aug. 21).