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McCarthy Names Will Howard Starter, Allar Replaces Late

8/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coach Mike McCarthy announced Will Howard will start the second preseason game against the New York Jets.
Drew Allar will take over for Howard in the second half of that game.
Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will sit out, giving the veterans a week off.
McCarthy said he wants to maximize opportunities for the young quarterbacks before the roster cutdown on Aug. 30.

History

Historical Context

In 1970 the NFL-AFL merger, overseen by commissioner Pete Rozelle, set a 53-player roster and required teams to cut roughly 30 % of players—about 1,200 men—before the regular season. That preseason trimming model persists, as Packers head coach Mike McCarthy now cycles quarterbacks Will Howard, Drew Allar and Aaron Rodgers in a game against the New York Jets.

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Story summary

Coach Mike McCarthy announced Will Howard will start the second preseason game against the New York Jets.
Drew Allar will take over for Howard in the second half of that game.
Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will sit out, giving the veterans a week off.
McCarthy said he wants to maximize opportunities for the young quarterbacks before the roster cutdown on Aug. 30.

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