RADIO
Drew Allar Shines in Preseason Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Drew Allar turned in an excellent showing Thursday night, completing 10 of 13 pass attempts for 153 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score in a 28-9 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. Although Allar did not enter until late in the third quarter, he made an immediate impact by leading a five-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. He connected with fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen on a slant that nearly went the distance, but Wetjen was eventually brought down at the three-yard line after a 74-yard gain. Allar finished the drive with a three-yard rushing touchdown. The 22-year-old later found Wetjen for a five-yard touchdown and rookie fullback Riley Nowakowski for a four-yard score that sealed the victory late in the fourth quarter. While it seems unlikely that Allar will surpass both Mason Rudolph and Will Howard on the depth chart before the regular season, a few more performances like this could keep him in the conversation for the QB2 job behind Aaron Rodgers. His next opportunity comes next Friday against the New York Jets.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Will Howard Impresses in First NFL Action
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard completed seven of nine pass attempts for 86 yards in a 28-9 preseason win over the Green Bay Packers. The second-year pro, who missed the entire 2025 season with a hand injury, made his NFL debut in the second quarter after taking over for veteran Mason Rudolph. On his second possession, Howard led the offense on a quick 80-yard drive that culminated in a one-yard rushing touchdown by running back Lew Nichols. Howard displayed a strong connection with tight end Robert Tonyan, as the two connected for four receptions and 61 yards on just four targets. The 24-year-old played into the third quarter before giving way to rookie Drew Allar, who also turned in an impressive performance. Howard is worth monitoring in dynasty formats as he competes for a backup job heading into the regular season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mason Rudolph Sharp in Preseason Start
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 10 of 11 pass attempts for 93 yards in a 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Rudolph got off to a rocky start, taking two sacks over his first four snaps, but quickly settled in and led the offense down the field on its second possession. Although the Steelers were unable to score after an offensive holding penalty nullified a three-yard rushing touchdown by Lew Nichols, Rudolph displayed early chemistry with rookie wideout Germie Bernard and several other pass-catchers throughout the drive. The 31-year-old then gave way to second-year pro Will Howard and rookie signal-caller Drew Allar, both of whom also impressed. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh's quarterback depth chart shakes out entering the regular season, with all three players competing for backup duties behind Aaron Rodgers. Rudolph is likely to see additional preseason action next weekend against the New York Jets.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Aaron Rodgers in Street Clothes for Thursday's Preseason Opener
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is in street clothes and will not play in Thursday night's preseason opener against his former team, the Green Bay Packers, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. With Rodgers sitting out, Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar will get the work under center for the Steelers. The Steelers have indicated that they want to get Rodgers some preseason action, but it's unclear if it will come in their next exhibition game on Friday, Aug. 21, against another one of his former teams, the New York Jets. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer has returned to the Steel City for a second season in what he says will be the final year of his storied NFL career. Rodgers could have more opportunities to throw the football in new head coach Mike McCarthy's offense, although reports out of training camp suggest the Steelers' offense could stick with a pretty heavy ground approach again in 2026. Even with additional receiver help in Michael Pittman Jr., Rodgers will be an unintriguing low-end QB2 option in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Aaron Rodgers Needs an Invite to Return to Lambeau Field
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has said that the 2026 season will be his last in the NFL. If he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer, which is expected, his name would go up on the Lambeau Field facade in five years with the other former Packers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Rodgers' No. 12 would likely be retired, and he could be inducted into the Packers' Hall of Fame after four seasons of retirement. "Well, there first has to be an invite back," Rodgers told ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "We'll see about that, but yeah, I'm always going to have such a strong tie to Green Bay and the organization. If that comes to fruition, that could be a cool deal." Rodgers spent 18 years with the Packers before he was traded to the New York Jets in 2023. The Jets didn't play the Packers in either of his two seasons with the Jets, and the Steelers faced the Packers at Acrisure Stadium in 2025. The 42-year-old was hoping that the Steelers' preseason game this year was in Green Bay, but it, too, will be held in Pittsburgh. "When I heard it was possible to play both my former teams, I was really hoping this one was going to be in Green Bay," Rodgers said. If 2026 is indeed Rodgers' final NFL season, he will end his career without playing at Lambeau Field as a visitor.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Mason Rudolph Dominating Steelers' Backup Competition
The Pittsburgh Steelers spent a third and a sixth-round pick at quarterback over the course of the past two drafts, but according to beat reporter Alan Saunders, the battle for the primary backup job behind Aaron Rodgers has been dominated by veteran Mason Rudolph. Saunders lists both Will Howard and Drew Allar among his losers of the second week of Steelers training camp, with them all but handing the competition to Rudolph. While Rudolph himself has done little to stand out, Howard has reportedly been unable to close the gap that looked to be tightening during OTAs, making too many errors to overcome a limited skill set. Allar, meanwhile, has flashed standout athleticism, but is still a long way away from running an NFL offense after a near-total teardown of his fundamentals. With Rodgers preparing for his 22nd and final season, the rookie still has the best chances to eventually take over, but the backup job for 2026 is expected to remain with Rudolph.
Source: Alan Saunders
Source: Alan Saunders
Aaron Rodgers Played Through Illness in Wild-Card Loss
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed that he was dealing with flu-like symptoms before last season's wild-card loss to the Houston Texans. Rodgers told Mike Silver that he had a fever and was vomiting on the day of the game. He said he appeared so pale when he arrived at the facility that the Steelers sent him home, though he returned later and made the start. Rodgers completed 17 of 33 passes for 146 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception while taking four sacks in Pittsburgh's 30-6 loss on January 12. The Steelers failed to score an offensive touchdown, and Rodgers' final pass was returned for a touchdown by Texans safety Calen Bullock. The illness offers additional context for one of the poorest postseason performances of Rodgers' career, though he did not use it as an excuse afterward. He has since returned to Pittsburgh for what he says will be his final NFL season.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Aaron Rodgers Unloads on Dianna Russini/Mike Vrabel Offseason Story
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers unloaded on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday afternoon, discussing multiple viewpoints, including the Dianna Russini/Mike Vrabel story, in which he did not hold back on major corporations. Rodgers stated, "You have literally an individual that maybe used to work at ESPN that covers our league at the highest level, and there's a major scandal, and it's just like nobody can talk about it." The future Hall-of-Fame quarterback is entering his final season in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers, under former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, as he hopes to end his historic career on a high note.
Source: Ari Meirov - My Sports Update
Source: Ari Meirov - My Sports Update
Aaron Rodgers Could Play in the Preseason
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could see action during the preseason, according to The Athletic. No decision has been announced, but it would mark a change from last year, when Rodgers sat out all three exhibition games before throwing four touchdown passes in Pittsburgh's Week 1 win over the New York Jets. The 42-year-old went on to complete 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 16 starts as the Steelers won the AFC North. Rodgers returned on a one-year contract and is working with new head coach Mike McCarthy, who coached him for 13 seasons in Green Bay. Pittsburgh also has Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and third-round rookie Drew Allar in its quarterback room, giving the team several passers who need preseason reps. The Steelers open their exhibition schedule against Green Bay on August 13. Rodgers' availability should become clearer as that game approaches.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
Drew Allar Flashes Arm Talent at Steelers Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar has made a few eye-catching throws early in his first training camp. Rookie Watch reports that the third-round pick has drawn attention with his arm strength, and Allar connected on two deep balls during Saturday's practice, including a roughly 40-yard throw in a two-minute drill. The early returns have not been perfect, though, as he also missed some easier throws during the session. Pittsburgh selected Allar 76th overall after he threw for 7,402 yards and 61 touchdowns in 45 games at Penn State. His final college season ended early because of an ankle injury. Aaron Rodgers remains the clear starter, with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard also in the quarterback room, so Allar is unlikely to have any value in ordinary redraft leagues this season. His arm talent and opportunity to develop behind Rodgers still make him an interesting player to monitor in dynasty and Superflex formats.
Source: Rookie Watch
Source: Rookie Watch
Drew Allar Competing for the QB3 Role in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said that veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph will work with the second-team offense at the start of training camp, while rookie quarterback Drew Allar and 2025 sixth-rounder Will Howard will work with "other groups," per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. A third-round pick out of Penn State, Allar is not expected to see much of the field in his rookie season as long as veteran Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers can stay healthy. However, it appears that Allar will also be behind Rudolph on the Steelers quarterback depth chart, at least at the start of camp. In redraft leagues, Allar is unlikely to provide fantasy-relevant production in 2026. Still, he remains a worthy dynasty stash through his rookie season, given the Steelers' obvious long-term need at quarterback once Rodgers retires.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ray Fittipaldo
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ray Fittipaldo
Aaron Rodgers Reiterates That 2026 is his Final Season
Pittsburgh Steelers veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers affirmed on Tuesday that there's "zero debate" that 2026 will be his last season playing football, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "I thought last year might be it," Rodgers said. "And then Mike [McCarthy] got hired, and I talked to the wife, and she said, 'You can do one more year.' I said, 'Well, we'll see if it works out.' And then it kind of all came together." McCarthy coached Rodgers for 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, beginning in Rodgers' second NFL season in 2006. The 42-year-old four-time MVP and future Hall of Famer will have a new receiver in Michael Pittman Jr. to work with in 2026, but he won't have running back Kenny Gainwell, who was a key dump-off asset for Rodgers out of the backfield a year ago. Rodgers led the Steelers to the postseason last year and completed 65.7% of his passes for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions to finish as the fantasy QB19. His situation with old coach McCarthy should be more helpful for fantasy purposes, but Rodgers' fantasy ceiling remains very limited because of his lack of mobility and his decline in downfield aggressiveness. Treat him as a low-end QB2 in two-QB superflex leagues.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Will Howard Battling for the QB2 Job in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Will Howard and Mason Rudolph could be battling for the "QB2 job and, potentially, a spot on the 53-man roster" in training camp, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard battled injury as a rookie and did not see any game action in his first professional season. Aaron Rodgers remains atop the Steelers' depth chart for 2026, leaving Howard unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role as long as Rodgers remains healthy. The Steelers also drafted quarterback Drew Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, leading to speculation that Howard's place on the Pittsburgh roster could be in major jeopardy. While Howard may still end up off the Steelers roster, it appears that he may have a legitimate chance to beat out both Allar and Rudolph for the team's backup job entering 2026. Rudolph has 34 games (19 starts) of NFL experience under his belt, but Howard may be the higher-upside option. In deeper fantasy leagues, Howard could still be worth stashing in case he establishes himself during the preseason.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Drew Allar Signs Rookie Contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed rookie quarterback Drew Allar to his four-year rookie contract on Friday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Steelers selected Allar with the No. 76 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in April. The team selected Allar in the third round despite taking Will Howard as a developmental quarterback late in the 2025 NFL Draft. The 22-year-old was polarizing among evaluators and seen as a high-ceiling development prospect with elite traits and raw mechanics. The team has worked closely with Allar to adjust his mechanics and footwork to fit head coach Mike McCarthy's offense. Allar will be battling Mason Rudolph and Howard in training camp for the QB2 job behind Aaron Rodgers.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Aaron Rodgers a Deep Fantasy Sleeper in a Familiar Offense
Among 33 qualifying quarterbacks in 2025, Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Aaron Rodgers had the lowest intended air yards per attempt, operating an offense whose passing attack ran primarily through its running backs and tight ends. Of the seven different Steelers players targeted at least 40 times last season, only two were wide receivers, with D.K. Metcalf and Calvin Austin III combining for only 90 total receptions. In reuniting with Rodgers, new head coach Mike McCarthy is expected to implement the heavy 11-personnel usage that has become a staple of his play calling, and the trade for Michael Pittman Jr. and drafting of Germie Bernard in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft hint at more of a hybrid offense that can put receivers on the field who are capable of finding space in the short to intermediate areas. Now 42 years old, the aggressiveness of the Steelers' offense likely relies on how well Rodgers can hold up physically, but if Pittsburgh can add even a modest vertical element in 2026, the four-time MVP could return usable fantasy value as RotoBaller's QB28.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
