Will Howard suffers hand injury during Steelers practice

The injury suffered by Steelers quarterback Will Howard raises concerns about his development.

Severity of Will Howard's hand injury impacts Steelers' plans

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard has been diagnosed with a fracture in a small bone in his hand, according to a report by Ian Rapoport from NFL Network. The injury occurred during practice, but early indications suggest that surgery will not be necessary. Despite this positive news, Howard is expected to miss at least three weeks, which will significantly impact his training and preseason opportunities. The Steelers, who have veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on their roster, will face challenges with Howard sidelined, particularly as he would have benefited from valuable practice repetitions before the season starts.

Howard's injury poses a critical setback as he begins his NFL career. With the Steelers focused on securing wins this season, Howard's absence from preseason games limits his growth and exposure to game situations. While Rodgers steps in as the starter, Howard's missed practices mean he will miss vital chances to develop alongside his teammates. The competition with fellow backups Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson will intensify as they also vie for playing time. This situation emphasizes how vital a strong training camp is for young athletes, especially those drafted later in the process.

Highlights

Howard's road to recovery will be closely watched as he aims to return stronger.