Unprecedented Four-QB Roster Strategy
Steelers Prepare Historic Roster Move to Keep Four Quarterbacks for Season
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Key Points
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Will Howard's preseason performance raised concerns: he completed 69 yards on 15 attempts (4.6 yards per attempt), was stood up by pressure for three sacks (-22 yards), threw an interception, and had two red-zone touchdowns via catch-and-run; he was also evaluated for a head injury after the preseason finale, which could threaten the four-QB plan if he cannot recover.
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Head coach Mike McCarthy publicly endorsed keeping all four quarterbacks, saying there are 'two veterans that we can win with, and we’ve got two young guys that we’re really excited about their future,' and later adding, 'If you have four quarterbacks in that room, especially the quality we have right now, I think it only enhances what the regular season would look like'—even joking he’d have six quarterbacks if possible.
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If the plan holds, the Steelers’ QB depth chart would be Rodgers as starter, Mason Rudolph as QB2, Will Howard as QB3, and Drew Allar as QB4, per McCarthy and reporting on the roster decision.
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The four-QB plan could be derailed if Howard cannot recover from the head injury in time for cut-downs, creating a potential domino effect on the roster.
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Insider sentiment on 102.5 DVE suggested the Steelers have already decided to keep four QBs, a move seen as historic for Week One rosters and the first time since the 1990s the team would open with four quarterbacks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to keep four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster heading into the regular season, an unusual move that pairs two veterans with two young prospects. Steelers Now reported that coach Mike McCarthy endorsed the strategy after the preseason, saying the depth could strengthen the team even as rookies Will Howard and Drew Allar continue developing alongside starter Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph.
The plan faces a potential obstacle: Howard suffered a head injury during the preseason finale and is being evaluated for recovery. If he cannot clear protocols in time, the Steelers may need to reconsider carrying four quarterbacks, a roster decision that would be historic for the team and the first time since the 1990s they've opened a season with four QBs.
McCarthy's Public Endorsement of Four-QB Strategy
McCarthy made clear in recent comments that he believes keeping all four quarterbacks strengthens the roster. Steelers Now reported McCarthy saying: "We have two veterans that we can win with, and we've got two young guys that we're really excited about their future." He added: "If you have four quarterbacks in that room, especially the quality we have right now, I think it only enhances what the regular season would look like."
McCarthy even joked he'd prefer to keep six quarterbacks if the roster allowed it, signaling confidence in the entire group. Yahoo Sports noted that Steelers Now confirmed the coach's support was a key factor in the organization's decision to preserve all four options entering Week One.
Howard's Preseason Struggles and Head Injury Concern
Will Howard's preseason performance raised red flags before the injury emerged. He completed just 69 yards on 15 attempts (4.6 yards per attempt) and took three sacks for a loss of 22 yards. Howard threw one interception but showed promise with two red-zone touchdowns, though they came via catch-and-run plays rather than direct passing impact.
The head injury evaluation after the preseason finale now threatens the entire four-QB plan. If Howard cannot clear protocols before roster cuts finalize, the Steelers will face difficult choices about which young quarterback to retain, potentially collapsing the strategy McCarthy publicly championed.
Historic Roster Move Sets Steelers Apart
Keeping four quarterbacks on the Week One roster would mark the first time since the 1990s the Steelers have done so, according to Steelers Now reporting. The move reflects McCarthy's confidence in not just Rodgers and Rudolph, but also the long-term development potential of Howard and Allar as future franchise assets.
Steelers Now reported that insider sentiment across local sports radio suggested the organization had already decided to keep four quarterbacks. The planned depth chart would list Rodgers as starter, Rudolph as QB2, Howard as QB3, and Allar as QB4—assuming Howard's health clears before final cuts.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
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