Mike McCarthy’s Preseason Offensive Showcases Steelers’ Quarterback Room Potential Mike McCarthy, the new offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, got a firsthand look at his quarterback room during the team’s preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. The game, held at Acrisure Stadium, provided a platform for McCarthy to test his play-calling and assess the development of his young quarterbacks. While Aaron Rodgers was expected to start, he was sidelined due to the absence of his top two receivers, Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf, who had missed recent practices. This decision allowed McCarthy to spotlight the talents of his other quarterbacks—Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar—while showcasing the versatility of his offensive system. The game itself was a 28-9 victory for the Steelers, with their quarterbacks collectively demonstrating strong performances. Rudolph, Howard, and Allar each contributed significantly, with Allar making a particularly impactful debut. Rudolph, playing his first game in 19 months, led a drive that ended just short of the Packers’ goal line, completing 10 of 11 passes for 93 yards and a 101.9 passer rating. Howard, meanwhile, delivered a standout performance in the first half, executing a flawless two-minute drill that set up a touchdown run by Lew Nichols. Howard finished 7 of 9 for 86 yards with a 106.5 passer rating, a testament to his precision and composure under pressure. Allar, a third-round draft pick in April, made his debut in the third quarter and immediately made an impression. His first pass was a 74-yard catch-and-run to rookie Kaden Wetjen, setting up the Steelers’ second touchdown.#pittsburgh_steers #mike_mccarthy #will_howard #mason_rudolph #austin_kaden_wetjen
Pittsburgh Steelers Likely to Retain Aaron Rodgers, Cut Ties with Howard and Rudolph The Pittsburgh Steelers face uncertainty at the quarterback position due to Aaron Rodgers’ uncertain future. Rodgers has not yet decided whether he will return to the team, pursue a new opportunity elsewhere, or retire. Regardless of his decision, the Steelers are expected to retain Will Howard and Mason Rudolph in their quarterback room. However, some analysts, including The Athletic’s Zack Roseblatt, predict the team may instead part ways with both Howard and Rudolph in favor of drafting Garrett Nussmeier, a LSU product, to serve as Rodgers’ backup in 2026. Roseblatt argues that if Rodgers remains the starter, the Steelers must evaluate whether Howard is a viable long-term option or if a rookie like Nussmeier would better suit the team’s needs. Nussmeier, a second-round prospect, is considered a top-five talent in the draft class. He completed 64% of his passes for 7,699 yards and 52 touchdowns while throwing 24 interceptions during his college career. His physical attributes and arm strength align with Rodgers’ style, and his father, Doug Nussmeier, has a history of coaching in the NFL, including a stint under new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Dallas. The Steelers hold the 53rd overall pick in the 2026 draft, which places them in a strong position to select Nussmeier on Day 2. With four projected picks on that day, the team could prioritize adding a young quarterback to complement Rodgers. Roseblatt suggests that retaining Howard and Rudolph might be a better strategy, as both players have shown potential. Howard, however, has yet to see significant playing time this season, while Rudolph’s career trajectory has been less promising.#aaron_rodgers #pittsburgh_steelers #will_howard #garrett_nussmeier #mason_rudolph
