Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) and quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) participate in training camp drills at Saint Vincent College.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered training camp with a clear mission: figure out the quarterback hierarchy behind Aaron Rodgers.
Right now, the high-stakes battle for the primary backup job is heavily favoring a familiar face.
According to NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are trending in completely opposite directions. Rudolph is turning heads during daily practices, while Howard is leaving the coaching staff with more questions than answers.
“What it sounds like to me is that Mason Rudolph has done really well in practice, and Will Howard hasn’t done quite well enough to where they’re like, ‘I don’t know if we can make Will Howard the backup,'” Simms noted recently.
Mason Rudolph Has Been Playing Well In Training Camp, And Will Howard Hasn’t Been The Greatest. Per, @CSimmsQB
“But what it sounds like to be is that Mason Rudolph has done really well in practice, and Will Howard hasn’t done quite well enough to where there like ‘I don’t know… https://t.co/BBmslydGJx pic.twitter.com/l7xj0ncRx1
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) August 10, 2026
This development shouldn't shock anyone who watches the Steelers closely. Rudolph brought years of valuable NFL experience into camp, and he clearly looks comfortable operating the offense. He commands the huddle effectively, makes quick reads, and delivers the football on time.
Howard, meanwhile, is hitting the typical bumps in the road most young quarterbacks experience. Transitioning to a complex professional scheme takes time, and the sheer speed of the game appears to be rushing his decision-making. Those persistent practice struggles recently spilled over into live game action.
While fans often clamor for the younger prospect to steal the show, the actual on-field practice reps tell a different story. Rudolph stepped into camp maintaining his consistent, professional baseline, successfully executing the offense with the second team.
Howard, meanwhile, has struggled to force the issue during daily drills. Missing valuable time last year seems to have slowed his development, and he hasn't showcased enough flashes in practice to make the veteran look expendable.
Pittsburgh needs a reliable insurance policy under center. Rudolph provides that essential stability. He knows the system, understands the expectations, and prioritizes protecting the football. Howard clearly possesses exciting raw talent, but he simply isn't ready to step in if disaster strikes.