There are few quarterbacks loved more by Ohio State fans in modern times than Will Howard. While he only played for the Buckeyes for one season, Howard helped the team win its first national championship in ten years. Howard's play really elevated in the four-game run in the College Football Playoff.
After winning the title against Notre Dame, Howard was a sixth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He looked good early in training camp, then suffered a freak injury to his hand and missed the entire preseason. Now, his roster spot with Pittsburgh is in jeopardy.
Former Ohio State QB Will Howard could get cut by the Steelers
Howard looked good in the first preseason game that he played in his career against the Packers. In that game, he finished 7/9 for 86 yards and had a two-yard rush. However, Drew Allar also had a strong performance in that game and actually threw for two touchdowns.
Over the weekend against the Jets, Howard had a complete 180 from his first performance. He played an entire half and finished 10/15 for only 74 yards and tossed two interceptions. That performance has Howard on the cut line for a team that will only keep three quarterbacks.
Aaron Rodgers is the undisputed starter, and it seems like Mason Rudolph is the clear number two. That third QB spot is a battle between Howard and Allar. Despite the fact that Howard beat Allar when they went head-to-head in college, Allar looks to have an edge over him now.
It doesn't help that Allar was a higher draft pick, as he was taken in the third round of this past draft. That means that Pittsburgh is more invested in his success than they are with Howard. Howard now has his back against the wall with one more preseason game left to make a good impression.
Will Howard needs a massive performance in his final preseason game
The Steelers play their final preseason game against the Bills on Thursday. On a short week, Howard has to have the best performance of his short NFL career. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass, so he needs to light it up to secure his spot with Pittsburgh.
If he can't do that, there is a very good chance that he will be looking for another job. There is a chance that the Steelers would want to keep Howard on the practice squad. At this point, that would likely be the best chance he has to keep his NFL dreams alive.
Ohio State quarterbacks have struggled a bit in the NFL. C.J. Stroud is in a make-or-break year with the Texans. Justin Fields' time as a starter in the league seems to be finished. Howard has never really had the chance to start, but his career in the league seems to be hanging by a thread.
Never count Howard out, though. Howard has always been an underdog. He came out smelling like roses in that role with the Ohio State Buckeyes, so don't count out a possible great performance in the final preseason game that saves his roster spot.
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