Steelers QB Being Evaluated for 'Head Injury' After Preseason Loss
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
Thursday night's preseason contest was the final time Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Drew Allar and Will Howard had an opportunity to show the coaching staff what they could do on the game field before the roster gets trimmed to 53 players on Sunday.
Howard, a second-year quarterback, is on the bubble to make the 53-man roster. He finished the night going 9 of 15 passing for 69 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He wound up taking three sacks for -22 yards in the 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills in front of 59,001 fans at Highmark Stadium.
Per Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Howard did not speak to reporters after Thursday night's game because he was being evaluated for a possible head injury.
"QB Will Howard wasn’t available to speak with media postgame because he went to be evaluated by the medical staff in the second half and is still being evaluated… Will Howard is being evaluated for a possible head injury," Pryor posted on X.
It remains to be seen what the Steelers will do on the depth chart for the QB3 position behind Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph. Depending on the severity of the injury, Pittsburgh could keep Howard on injured reserve to begin the campaign.
Given the results of the preseason, the practice squad seems to be the best place for the 2025 sixth-round pick.
Rookie Drew Allar didn't have his best night against the Bills defense. The third-round pick went 9 of 18 passing for 88 yards.
The offense as a whole didn't perform well on Thursday night. The Steelers’ first touchdown drive came after a recovered muffed punt return by Bills returner Ray Davis at the Buffalo 13-yard line. The second touchdown came on a five-play, 28-yard drive.
In addition to an anemic passing attack, the Steelers rushed 23 times for 97 yards and one touchdown. Rookie offensive lineman Max Iheanachor had a rough outing, giving up a sack of Howard and earning a holding penalty.
The Steelers will now prepare to play their season opener at home against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos