Backup Quarterbacks and the Steelers' Playoff Hopes
Introduction
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been hit with some tough news as their starting quarterback, Will Howard, will be sidelined for at least three weeks due to a broken bone in his hand. This injury comes at a crucial time in the season as the Steelers are fighting for a playoff spot in a tough division. With Howard out, the pressure now falls on backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph, to lead the team to victory.
Key Details
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is a prime example of how a backup quarterback can step up and make a positive impact for his team. In the 2017 season, Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone and was forced to miss nine games. In his absence, backup quarterback, Brett Hundley, struggled and the Packers missed the playoffs. This highlights the importance of having a reliable backup quarterback, which the Steelers will need with Howard's absence.
Impact
The loss of Howard will have a significant impact on the Steelers' offense. He has been a key player for the team, throwing for 1,594 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season. The team will need to adjust their game plan and rely on their strong defense to keep them in the playoff race. This injury also puts more pressure on Rudolph, who has had limited playing time this season. The Steelers will need to rally around their backup quarterback
About the People Mentioned
Will Howard
Will Howard is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL, born in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, where he excelled in high school, throwing for 5,308 yards and 48 touchdowns while leading his team to a district title and state semifinals.[1][3][7] Howard began his college career at Kansas State University in 2020, playing in 34 games with 28 starts over four seasons. He set the school's career records with 48 touchdown passes and 5,786 passing yards, while ranking high in completions, attempts, and total offense. In 2022, he led the Wildcats to a Big 12 Championship, earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week, Second-Team All-Big 12, and All-Academic Team honors with a 4.0 GPA. He graduated with an accounting degree in 2023 after tying the single-season touchdown record with 24.[1][2][3] In January 2024, Howard transferred as a graduate student to Ohio State University, starting all 16 games in 2024. He guided the Buckeyes to a school-record 14-win season and the CFP National Championship, setting Ohio State records for single-season and career completion percentage at 71.4% (325-of-455). In playoff wins over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame, he completed 75.2% of passes for 1,150 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. He earned CFP National Championship Offensive MVP, Cotton Bowl Offensive MVP, Third-Team All-Big Ten, and academic honors.[1][2][4] The Steelers selected Howard in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, valuing his experience from 44 college starts, strong arm, and poise. At 6'4" and 236 pounds, he impressed with a class-best QBR (89.6) and low sack rate in his final season. Recently, as QB3, he sustained a hand injury requiring evaluation.[4][5][6]
Mason Rudolph
Mason Rudolph is an American professional football quarterback who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). He was born July 17, 1995, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and played college football at Oklahoma State, where he became the program’s winningest quarterback and finished his collegiate career with 13,618 passing yards and 92 touchdowns, earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 2017[1][2]. Rudolph was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft and spent his early pro years primarily as a backup, with occasional starts when the starter was injured[1][5]. His most notable early NFL moments came in 2019 when he replaced an injured Ben Roethlisberger and started multiple games, and again in later seasons when he stepped into starting roles due to injuries or roster changes[1][3]. Rudolph’s pro career has included stretches as a starter and as a depth quarterback; he has appeared in multiple regular-season games and accumulated both starting experience and backup duties across several seasons with Pittsburgh and a season in Tennessee before returning to Pittsburgh in 2025[1][4][7]. Known for prototypical quarterback size (listed at 6'5", 235 lbs) and a strong college production profile, Rudolph’s NFL résumé highlights durability as a roster contributor and occasional effectiveness as a starter when called upon[3][6]. Recent team activity has involved him rejoining the Steelers and competing for the team’s quarterback roles, including late-season starts and post-season participation in prior years[1][7]. Rudolph remains a relevant depth option in the NFL quarterback market, valued for his experience in both starting and backup capacities and for the leadership and situational play he has provided when elevated to the starting lineup[7][5].
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983) is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, where he set school records for the lowest single-season and career interception rates. Rodgers was selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers[1][6]. Rodgers spent his first three NFL seasons as a backup to Brett Favre before becoming the Packers' starting quarterback in 2008. He quickly established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Rodgers led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV in the 2010 season and was named Super Bowl MVP. He has won the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award four times (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021), joining an elite group of players with multiple MVP honors. His 2011 season is considered one of the greatest in NFL history, with a franchise-best 13–0 start, 45 touchdown passes, 4,643 passing yards, and an NFL-record passer rating of 122.5[1][2][3]. Throughout his career, Rodgers has led the league multiple times in key statistical categories, including touchdown-to-interception ratio, passer rating, and completion percentage. After 18 seasons with the Packers, he was traded to the New York Jets in 2023, where he played two seasons before being released after the 2024 season. He subsequently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he currently plays[1][5][6]. At 41 years old and with over 20 years of NFL experience, Rodgers remains a prominent figure in professional football, known for his exceptional skill, longevity, and leadership on the field[4][6][7].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Pittsburgh Steelers
The **Pittsburgh Steelers** are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a rich history dating back to 1933. Founded by **Arthur J. Rooney, Sr.**, the team has been a cornerstone of the Western Pennsylvania community for nearly a century. The Steelers are a member of the National Football League (NFL), competing in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. ### History and Achievements - **Championships**: The Steelers have achieved significant success, winning six Super Bowl titles (IX, X, XIII, XIV, XL, and XLIII) and numerous divisional championships. - **Community Engagement**: The organization is deeply involved in community outreach and charitable activities, reflecting its commitment to the local area[7]. - **Legacy**: The Steelers are known for their dedicated fan base, "Steeler Nation," and their iconic black and gold uniforms. ### Current Status - **2025 Season**: The Steelers are in their 93rd NFL season, with **Mike Tomlin** as head coach and **Omar Khan** as general manager. They are aiming to improve on recent performances and make a strong playoff push[1]. - **Coaching Staff**: Notable coaches include **Arthur Smith** as offensive coordinator and **Teryl Austin** as defensive coordinator[5]. - **Roster**: The team has seen significant changes, including the addition of quarterback **Aaron Rodgers**, who is expected to lead the offense[1]. ### Notable Aspects - **Business and Community Impact**: The Steelers have a strong business model, with a focus on community engagement and philanthropy. The team's commitment to family support has seen improvements, such as introducing game-day daycare[6]. - **Leadership**: The Steelers are led by **Art Rooney II**, who continues the family's legacy of community involvement and team management[7]. Despite challenges like the need for locker room renovations and improvements in strength training programs, the Steelers remain a
Green Bay Packers
The **Green Bay Packers** are a unique professional American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, competing in the NFL’s NFC North division. Founded in 1919, they are the only major U.S. sports franchise organized as a **publicly owned nonprofit corporation**, held by over 538,000 stockholders as of 2025, with no individual allowed to own more than 4% of shares. This community ownership model has been key to the team's longevity in the smallest NFL market and is grandfathered under league rules limiting ownership structures[2][3]. The organization was originally incorporated in 1923 as the Green Bay Football Corporation and renamed Green Bay Packers, Inc. in 1935. Unlike other teams privately owned by individuals or corporations, the Packers operate under a community board of 43 directors including former players, local business leaders, and officials, who volunteer without financial compensation and provide governance oversight. The team president acts as the de facto owner, currently transitioning from Mark Murphy’s tenure, with the general manager and head coach reporting directly to the president—a structure admired by other NFL franchises[1][8]. On the field, the Packers are one of the NFL’s most historically successful teams, boasting **13 league championships** including **4 Super Bowl titles**, and winning the first-ever Super Bowl under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, for whom the trophy is named. Their home, Lambeau Field, is an iconic stadium known for its rich history and passionate fan base[3][6][7]. Beyond football, the Packers contribute to the community through the Green Bay Packers Foundation, supporting charitable causes and youth programs, reinforcing their identity as a community-centric organization[3]. Despite recent competitive challenges, the Packers remain a storied franchise known for innovation, fan engagement, and a business model that blends sports with community ownership and nonprofit management, making them a singular case study in the sports business landscape[2][4].
