Steelers’ Quarterback Shuffle Continues as Aaron Rodgers Remains Sidelined

The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to give their young quarterbacks, Will Howard and Drew Allar, an extended opportunity to showcase their skills in the team’s preseason matchup against the New York Jets. This move comes as Aaron Rodgers, who did not play in the Steelers’ preseason-opening win over the Green Bay Packers, will be inactive once again on Friday night.

According to head coach Mike McCarthy, the decision to give Howard and Allar the majority of the reps was made because of their inexperience. ‘They’re young,’ McCarthy said. ‘Will didn’t get to play last year. Drew’s a first-year player. We have two veterans I feel really good about, obviously, with Aaron and Mason.’

Howard, who suffered an injury during the early portion of last year’s training camp, made a strong impression in his limited action against the Packers, going 7 of 9 for 86 yards in three series of work. He completed four consecutive passes for 67 yards, including a 17-yard strike to Ben Skowronek on fourth-and-1.

Allar, a rookie fourth-round pick, built on his impressive training camp performance with a strong showing against the Packers. In three full series of work, he threw a pair of scores and ran for another, going 10 of 13 for 153 yards and compiling a 154.8 passer rating. He looked comfortable running the Steelers’ offense, making quick decisions, throwing accurate passes, and spreading the ball around.

McCarthy stressed the importance of the preseason for young quarterbacks, stating, ‘Preseason football is great for young quarterbacks on so many fronts. I mean, obviously, they get to play. You want to see them command the offense, take the play entry, get up to the line scrimmage. If they get in trouble … if something goes wrong, if the route’s not the way it should be, or the right tackle doesn’t do the right thing, to be able to react to that and not be surprised by it.’

The Steelers’ quarterback room has been a topic of discussion throughout the preseason, with Rodgers’ status remaining unknown. One of the reasons for his inactivity against the Packers was the lack of his preferred complement of receivers, with DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman missing practice due to minor injuries.

McCarthy’s comments on Wednesday suggested that Rodgers may not see the field until the team’s regular-season opener against the Falcons. He emphasized the importance of giving the younger players an extended look during the final two preseason games.