Steelers Face Quarterback Dilemma: How Will Reps Be Split Between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard at OTAs?
As the Pittsburgh Steelers gear up for organized team activities (OTAs), all eyes are on the quarterback room, where a compelling battle is brewing between veteran Mason Rudolph and rookie Will Howard. With Russell Wilson widely expected to take the reins as QB1 following his offseason signing, the real intrigue lies in how head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will divide second-team reps between Rudolph and Howard as OTAs progress.
Rudolph, 28, re-signed with the Steelers this offseason on a one-year deal after ending 2023 on a high note. Thrust into action late in the year, he helped the Steelers secure a playoff berth and earned praise for his poise and command of the offense. While Wilson brings the experience and pedigree of a Super Bowl champion, Rudolph’s familiarity with the system and his recent form make him a strong contender for the backup role.
But standing in Rudolph’s path is Will Howard, the promising fourth-round pick out of Ohio State. Howard, who previously starred at Kansas State before transferring, brings a unique combination of size, arm strength, and mobility. The Steelers view him as a developmental project with significant upside — potentially even a long-term successor depending on how the quarterback landscape shifts over the next couple of seasons.
The team’s approach at OTAs will be a strong indicator of how they view both quarterbacks in the short term. Sources close to the team suggest that reps will be distributed relatively evenly to start, with Tomlin emphasizing open competition and evaluation during these early workouts.
“Mason’s a known commodity, but that doesn’t mean he’s entitled to anything,” a team insider noted. “Will’s here to compete and learn, and the only way to accelerate that process is to put him in live reps.”
Rudolph’s edge comes from his understanding of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s evolving scheme, as well as his rapport with returning players. Meanwhile, Howard is still absorbing the playbook and adjusting to the speed of NFL practices. However, if he flashes his potential early, it could force the Steelers to accelerate his development timeline.
Tomlin has historically valued veteran presence, but he’s also not shied away from giving young players a chance when they’ve earned it. The next few weeks could be pivotal for Howard to make a statement and for Rudolph to reaffirm his status as a dependable option.
Beyond the on-field battle, the Steelers must also weigh their long-term plans. Wilson’s deal is essentially a one-year audition. Should he struggle, Pittsburgh will want clarity on what they have in both Rudolph and Howard. That means every rep matters — even in May.
As the OTA sessions unfold, expect a healthy competition between the seasoned Rudolph and the eager Howard. For now, the Steelers are keeping their cards close, but how they split reps in practice could quietly reveal a lot about their confidence in the future of the quarterback position.
