Full Breakdown
Steelers Plan to Feature Young QBs Howard and Allar in Jets Preseason Game
8/20/2026, 11:03:28 AM
Core Event: Howard Starts, Allar Takes Over in Friday’s Preseason Contest
Head coach Mike McCarthy announced that second-year quarterback Will Howard will start the Steelers’ second preseason game against the New York Jets, with rookie Drew Allar slated to play the second half. Veterans Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph will sit out, giving the two young signal-callers the full opportunity to command the offense. The matchup is scheduled for August 19, 2026 at Acrisure Stadium.
Background & Context
Pittsburgh entered training camp with a crowded quarterback room: starter Aaron Rodgers, backup Mason Rudolph, 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard, and 2026 third-round pick Drew Allar from Penn State. Howard, a former Ohio State starter, missed his rookie preseason due to injury but debuted in the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. Allar also saw significant action in that opener. McCarthy’s decision follows his emphasis on developing the younger players while preserving veteran health.
Data & Statistics
- Will Howard (vs. Packers): 7-of-9 completions, 86 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, passer rating 106.5.
- Drew Allar (vs. Packers): 10-of-13 completions, 153 yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, passer rating 154.8, no interceptions.
- Mason Rudolph (vs. Packers): 10-of-11 completions, 93 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT.
These numbers illustrate the productive snaps each quarterback earned in the preseason opener, prompting McCarthy to allocate the full second-game slate to Howard and Allar.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach McCarthy emphasized the developmental purpose of preseason play, noting, “We’ve got two games here, and I want to see those guys play as much as possible.” Assistant general manager Andy Weidl said the organization will continue evaluating the quarterbacks through the Jets game and the final preseason contest in Buffalo, leaving the ultimate roster composition to be decided later.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Howard described his first-half performance as a “two-minute scoring drive” that helped the Steelers take a 7-3 lead, acknowledging early-game jitters but expressing confidence in his preparation. Allar highlighted his focus on “clean decisive decision-making” and “clean footwork,” noting that the play-calling tempo has slowed enough for him to execute comfortably.
What’s Next
The Steelers will field Howard and Allar against the Jets on August 19, 2026. A subsequent preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills is slated for the following week, providing another evaluation window before the regular season begins. Roster decisions, including whether Pittsburgh will retain four quarterbacks on the active roster, are expected to be finalized after those two games.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Preseason football is great for young quarterbacks on so many fronts," McCarthy said.” — Mike McCarthy
- “We’ve got two games here, and I want to see those guys play as much as possible,” — Mike McCarthy
- “I really want to max out the opportunities with both Will and Drew,” — Mike McCarthy
- “They are young. Will didn’t get to play last year, and Drew is a first-year player,” — Mike McCarthy
- “I think it’s just continuing to be clean with my decisive decision-making and just be clean in my footwork and protections and everything like that,” — Drew Allar
