Will Howard's hand injury has the Pittsburgh Steelers navigating a critical QB for Week 1 and beyond. A fracture to a small bone in his right hand, suffered August 5, has him practicing with a brace and catching passes only with his left, casting doubt on his availability for Carolina’s game and the season opener. Initial timelines pegged at a minimum of three weeks, but exact clearance remains uncertain as Pittsburgh balances roster decisions.
With Howard sidelined, Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson have ramped up reps. Rudolph could see a third preseason start vs. the Panthers, while Thompson showed flashes across exhibitions. The team even floated IR consideration if Howard isn’t ready by September 7. Howard’s Buckeye season highlighted elite accuracy and TDs, so fantasy managers will track practice velocity and grip recovery for any late-season upside.
As Pittsburgh weighs its Week 1 plan, the fantasy lens will focus on who seizes control of the backup role and how the QB rotation affects pass targets and rushing opportunities. The Panthers matchup adds urgency, and the team’s long-term health calculus will influence whether Howard returns in time for opening night or slides into IR, altering the depth chart for fantasy rosters and streamer decisions.
Howard’s Ohio State marks—high completion percentage and TDs—underline upside if he returns in peak form. The storyline centers on practice tempo, grip strength, and how Pittsburgh balances development with immediate needs as the season approaches.
