Will Howard: Did get Drafted| Cut| Injury| American Football

1. Introduction

Will Howard, a quarterback with a celebrated college legacy, drew attention as a sixth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft. As of August 2025, his professional debut has faced a challenge: a fractured hand that landed him on injured reserve (IR), postponing his rookie breakthrough. Here’s a deep dive into his path from draft day to recovery, and why “cut” isn’t part of his current story — yet.

2. Drafted: From College Champion to Steelers’ Sixth-Round Pick

A native of West Chester, Pennsylvania, Will Howard starred at Downingtown West High School before launching his collegiate career at Kansas State, later transferring to Ohio State. At Ohio State, he helped lead the Buckeyes to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024 and earned the title of Offensive MVP of the championship game.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh selected Howard with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round Wikipedia. His addition was viewed as a low-risk, high-upside move—one that could develop into a reliable NFL quarterback opportunity.

3. “Cut”? Not Quite—But the Injury Created Tense Moments

Before preseason play began, Howard suffered a fractured small bone in his throwing hand, reportedly the pinky, during a center-snap drill in training camp. While surgery wasn’t needed, the injury sidelined him for at least three weeks, effectively removing him from all preseason games—a critical evaluation period.

This absence, at a time when Skylar Thompson was shining in exhibition play, put Howard in a precarious spot. Some speculated — perhaps prematurely — that he might lose his roster spot.

However, Pittsburgh held firm—and rather than release him, they placed him on injured reserve, preserving his spot in the organization while he recovers.

4. Injury Timeline & Current Status

• Early August 2025: During a training camp drill, Howard fractures a bone in his right (throwing) hand. Surgery not required, but recovery estimated at 3–4 weeks.

• Preseason: Missed all three exhibition games, hindering his chance to compete for the backup QB role.

• August 25, 2025: Head coach Mike Tomlin confirms Howard will soon resume full participation in practices and was projected as QB3, edging out Skylar Thompson.

• August 27–28, 2025: Steelers place Howard on short-term injured reserve. He must sit out the first four games of the regular season but remains with the team.

• August 29, 2025: Howard says on The Pat McAfee Show, “I’m back to throwing this week… it’s feeling good, going in the right direction,” reiterating his recovery progress.

5. Depth Chart & Roster Dynamics

With Aaron Rodgers firmly entrenched as the starter and Mason Rudolph the established backup, the QB landscape is crowded. While Howard was viewed as a developmental third-stringer, his injury allowed Skylar Thompson — who played well in the preseason — to leapfrog him and earn an active roster spot.

As of Howard’s IR placement, the Steelers will likely open the season with Rodgers, Rudolph, and Thompson active, while Howard awaits activation later in the year.

6. Is He Cut? Not Even Close

Despite early speculation about being cut, all key sources confirm he remains an asset to the Steelers. His IR placement is a deliberate strategy to protect him, not lose him.

Moreover, Steelers beat writers like Mark Kaboly criticized the move—calling it a potential “lost season” because of the developmental time missed—but still, the organization elected to keep Howard within the fold.

7. Summary

• Will Howard drafted: Sixth-round pick (185th overall) by Pittsburgh in 2025, after leading Ohio State to a national title.

• Cut?: No — despite preseason absence, placed on IR to preserve roster spot.

• Injury: Fractured throwing-hand/pinky in early August; sidelined 3–4 weeks, missed preseason, now IR for at least four regular-season games.

• American football context: Former Kansas State transfer, national championship winner; now developing behind Rodgers and Rudolph in Steelers’ QB room.

8. Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Howard?

• Return Timeline: Eligible for activation after Week 4; progress suggests throw-based rehab is on track.

• Long-Term Role: With Rodgers expected to play only one season, Howard could become a quarterback of the future—especially if he continues to develop and learn behind elite veterans.

• Developmental Challenges: Missing preseason may slow his learning curve, but internal support and mentorship (even from Ben Roethlisberger, who’s been connected with him) could mitigate that.

• Organizational Confidence: Steelers retained him despite risk; IR placement reflects belief in his potential and value down the line.

Conclusion

Was Will Howard drafted? Absolutely—he was taken in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Was he cut? Not at all; he remains on the Steelers’ IR, with a carefully managed path toward activation.
Did he suffer an injury? Yes—a hand fracture that disrupted his preseason and delayed his debut.
What’s his story in American Football? One of adversity, patience, and potential—Howard’s NFL journey is just beginning.