Will Howard Injury: Steelers QB Evaluated

Will Howard is being evaluated for a head injury after Pittsburgh's preseason finale, the Steelers told reporters Thursday night in Orchard Park. The second-year quarterback was unavailable for postgame interviews following a 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills. PennLive reported the update at 12:45 a.m. Friday. Yahoo Sports and Steelers Depot carried the same team line: Howard went to the medical staff in the second half and is still being checked.

Howard started the first half and finished 9-of-15 for 69 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, Yahoo Sports wrote. He took three sacks before Drew Allar replaced him after halftime. Allar went 9-of-18 for 88 yards. PennLive said Howard was hit multiple times in the first half and reported those hits once he was on the sideline. There was no obvious single play that ended his night. The Steelers followed the same quarterback script they used against the Jets.

How bad is the Will Howard injury?

The club has not confirmed a concussion. It has confirmed a head injury evaluation. If that becomes a concussion, Howard has to clear the full NFL protocol before he can play. PennLive noted the next real date on the calendar is Sept. 13 against the Atlanta Falcons. 93.7 The Fan reported that roster cuts are due by 6 p.m. Sunday. Head coach Mike McCarthy had said all four quarterbacks earned 53-man spots. A head injury changes that math overnight.

Steelers Depot laid out the injured-reserve fork. If Pittsburgh puts Howard on IR before the cutdown deadline, he would miss the entire 2026 season. If he goes on IR after the deadline, he would be eligible to return after four games. That is the rule, not a prediction. The team has not said IR is the plan. Howard spent most of last season on injured reserve after a throwing-hand injury in training camp, Yahoo Sports wrote. He finished this preseason 26-of-39 for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

What the Steelers QB room looks like now

Aaron Rodgers did not play in the preseason and did not travel to Buffalo, 93.7 The Fan reported. Mason Rudolph appeared in the opener. Howard and Allar split the last two exhibitions. McCarthy left several veterans home for rehab work, including Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. Receiver Ben Skowronek also left Thursday's game with what PennLive described as an apparent head injury. Two evaluations on cutdown weekend is a lot of medical noise for a roster that was already squeezing four quarterbacks onto 53 spots.

Green Bay just added another ex-Steeler on Thursday, a depth signing covered in the Jonnu Smith Packers recap. Pittsburgh's problem is health, not a free-agent splash. Fans searching Will Howard injury want a diagnosis. They do not have one yet. They have a head check, a 28-27 loss, and a Sunday deadline that now sits on top of the medical report.

Will Howard injury FAQ

What is Will Howard's injury? The Steelers said he is being evaluated for a head injury after reporting to the medical staff in the second half against Buffalo.

Did Will Howard have a concussion? The team has not confirmed a concussion. He missed postgame interviews while the evaluation continued.

When can Will Howard play again? If it is a concussion, he must clear protocol. Pittsburgh's opener is Sept. 13 vs the Falcons. Roster cuts are Sunday.