The Pittsburgh Steelers adjusted their quarterback depth chart following the final open organized team activity practice on June 11, 2026, as multiple players compete for backup roles behind veteran starter Aaron Rodgers.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette analyzed the backup competition, which features sixth-round pick Will Howard, rookie third-rounder Drew Allar, and veteran Mason Rudolph vying for limited roster spots under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
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"No. 1, [Aaron] Rodgers still has it.
No. 2, the Steelers are gonna give Will Howard every opportunity to win that backup job in the summer," Fittipaldo said.
Howard consistently took repetitions as the primary backup during spring workouts and is expected to maintain that position heading into training camp, though he must sustain his performance during preseason games to secure the job.
"I just think they're looking for something more," Fittipaldo said. "They're looking for a future starter, and I think they wanna find out about Will Howard.
I think that's the No. 1 reason they're giving him all the reps here this spring."
The performance of both Howard and rookie Drew Allar, selected 76th overall in April, has shown inconsistency during team and individual drills throughout the spring session.
"Up and down, and Howard too," Fittipaldo said.
"Howard's had some good moments and some bad moments too, and I think I would put Drew Allar in that same category…There are times in individual where you kinda look at him, and you're like, 'Okay, he's trying to get it,' and then there are times in team period where he'll just go out there, and he'll sling it downfield, and he'll look great."
