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Steelers insider asks deciding question in Mason Rudolph vs. Will Howard battle appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering training camp with Aaron Rodgers firmly established as their starting quarterback. However, the competition for the backup position is heating up. Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Drew Allar make up the current quarterback group, and analyst Alex Kozora from Steelers Depot suggests that Rudolph is the most likely candidate to be cut from the roster. Since the Steelers drafted Allar, Rudolph appears to be the odd man out, making his spot vulnerable depending on how the younger quarterbacks perform this summer.
This situation creates a significant decision for the front office. While head coach Mike McCarthy jokingly mentioned the idea of expanding the roster to accommodate four quarterbacks, the reality of the 53-man roster limit means there’s direct competition between Rudolph and Howard for the backup role. Rudolph provides proven veteran stability, having played 36 NFL games and accumulated nearly 5,000 passing yards, which could serve as a reliable safety net behind the aging Rodgers.
However, following a costly two-turnover performance against Chicago late last season, his potential seems limited. As noted by The New York Times, the decision ultimately comes down to one crucial question for the coaching staff: “Do you trust Howard?” If Howard demonstrates that he is competent and worth developing, Rudolph’s experience may not be enough to secure his place on the team.
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Howard’s prospects are gaining traction, especially as McCarthy continues to commend his long-term potential. In an interview on Mad Dog Sports Radio, McCarthy referred to the former Ohio State star as a “real prospect as a starting quarterback.” While Rodgers remains the undisputed leader of the team, Howard told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he is approaching practice as if he will be playing, which strengthens his position as Pittsburgh’s primary backup of the future.
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