PITTSBURGH â The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a setback at quarterback as Will Howard, the teamâs backup signal-caller, has been officially ruled unable to return to practice and has been placed on the Waived/Injured (W/I) list. The announcement, confirmed by team officials on Wednesday, has generated waves of reaction among the Steelersâ fanbase, both on social media and the teamâs official fan pages.
Howard, who was drafted to provide depth behind the starting quarterback, had shown promise during offseason workouts and early training sessions. However, lingering injury concerns have prevented him from participating fully in practice, prompting the Steelers to make the strategic decision to move him to the W/I list. This move allows the team to free up a roster spot while retaining rights to Howard if he clears waivers.
The news comes at a critical point in the season, as the Steelers aim to solidify their roster heading into the mid-season stretch. Fans on popular Steelers fan pages expressed mixed reactions â some shared their disappointment that Howard wonât have the chance to contribute, while others praised the team for making a cautious decision to protect the playerâs long-term health.
One fan post on a widely followed Steelers fan page read, âItâs frustrating, but Iâd rather see Howard healthy than rushing him back and risking a bigger setback. Steelers need him at 100% when it matters most.â Another comment highlighted the teamâs depth, noting, âThis is where the backups show their worth. Steelers have solid QB options waiting in the wings.â
The Waived/Injured designation is a standard NFL procedure for players who are injured but could return once healthy. If Howard clears waivers without being claimed by another team, he can revert to the Steelersâ injured reserve list, providing him an opportunity to rehab under the teamâs supervision.
While the news is undoubtedly a disappointment for Howard and his supporters, it also reflects the Steelersâ careful approach to managing player health and roster flexibility. As the team navigates the challenges of injuries and performance consistency, fans are encouraged to stay engaged with updates through official channels and social media fan pages.
With the season in full swing, the focus now shifts to how the Steelers will adjust their quarterback depth chart and ensure competitive play on the field. Meanwhile, Will Howardâs recovery and potential return remain a key storyline for fans closely following Pittsburghâs NFL journey.
Leave a Reply