Thursday was an eventful night for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was the first opportunity rookie third-round quarterback Drew Allar received in a game. But it was also the first occasion fellow signal-caller Will Howard dressed in black and gold for a contest.
Howard missed the exhibition campaign last August during his rookie season because of a hand injury in training camp.
While playing on three drives, Howard completed 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards versus the Green Bay Packers. He led the Steelers on one touchdown drive.
But more than any particular throw or scoring drive, Howard was just thankful to be back in a game.
“I’m just so grateful that God gave me this opportunity to come back my second year and get a chance to play because last year,” Howard told reporters during his postgame press conference. “It hurts not being able to go out there and do what you love.
“Working on it, and all the work I felt I put in. I felt like I was ready last year. Obviously, you know, sometimes things happen and you don’t get that opportunity. Injuries happen, but it makes you appreciate the times you are able to go out there even more.
“I think it gave me a good perspective on how to approach these games and how to approach every day because nothing’s guaranteed. I’m just so blessed and thankful that I got the opportunity to come back and play football again.”
Thursday’s preseason contest was Howard’s first game since the 2025 College Football National Championship. That was about 19 months ago.
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