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Steelers Keep Howard and Allar After 17-0 Loss

8/23/2026

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Summary

Jets Sack Rookie

Steelers announced they will keep quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar beyond the 53-man cut deadline.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Mason Rudolph’s roster spot remains uncertain after the loss.
Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey recorded his first NFL sack and dropped Will Howard for an 11-yard loss.
Geno Smith completed all seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in his first Jets snap in 302 days.

Summary

Jets Blank Steelers

The Steelers were shut out 17-0 by the Jets in a preseason game.
Will Howard completed 10 of 15 passes for 74 yards and threw two interceptions.
Drew Allar completed 11 of 23 for 110 yards and was sacked three times.
Spencer Anderson received lower-lip stitches at halftime and did not return.
Mason Rudolph’s position as the Steelers’ No. 2 quarterback was reinforced after the loss.

History

Historical Context

In 1976 the NFL expanded to 28 teams, adding the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to meet the 1966 merger’s clause. The March 30-31 expansion draft and April 8-9 17-round college draft gave Tampa Bay the first pick, Lee Roy Selmon, while Seattle signed 78 free agents and cut 25 by the Aug 12 deadline. Those cuts presaged the Buccaneers’ 0-14 inaugural season and shape roster decisions today.

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Jets Sack Rookie

Steelers announced they will keep quarterbacks Will Howard and Drew Allar beyond the 53-man cut deadline.
Coach Mike McCarthy said Mason Rudolph’s roster spot remains uncertain after the loss.
Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey recorded his first NFL sack and dropped Will Howard for an 11-yard loss.
Geno Smith completed all seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in his first Jets snap in 302 days.

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