Roster Move: CFP National Champion Offensive MVP Joins Steelers QB Room! Mike Tomlin: “This Isn't A Refresh — It’s Our Powerful Answer To The Pressure!”
Amid growing pressure after a stretch of inconsistent performances, the Pittsburgh Steelers have made a bold and decisive move, officially adding rookie quarterback Will Howard – the former Offensive MVP of the College Football Playoff champion
Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke with conviction and determination during Wednesday’s press conference:
“This isn’t just a roster change,” Tomlin declared. “This is our response to all the pressure. Pittsburgh doesn’t back down – we respond with action. Will has worked relentlessly, and he’s earned the chance to prove himself. Sometimes, all it takes is one man willing to ignite at the right moment, and an entire team can be transformed.”
According to team officials, Will Howard will serve as the emergency quarterback for the Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, backing up Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Though he hasn’t played a snap this season, Howard has impressed the coaching staff with his strong arm, sharp field awareness, and leadership presence – traits that Tomlin believes could spark new energy in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Alongside Howard’s activation, the Steelers have signed cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the practice squad and released running back Trey Sermon and safety Darrick Forrest, refining their roster as the season enters its critical stretch.
“We’re not just talking about the future – we’re building it right now,” Tomlin emphasized.
While skepticism continues to surround the team, Pittsburgh once again chooses to respond in the only way it knows how – not with words, but with bold decisions. And if
Eagles Adding Reinforcements at CB After Jaire Alexander’s Retirement
Jaire Alexander’s abrupt retirement, announced just over a week after his arrival in Philadelphia, came as a bit of a surprise.
The Eagles had hoped Alexander would be a solid midseason acquisition, but that plan pretty much ended before it began. Alexander never played a snap, and he was subsequently placed on the team’s reserved/retired list.
The Eagles will be getting some reinforcements at corner soon, though, as they’ve activated Jakorian Bennett from injured reserve. Bennett has been sidelined since September with a pectoral injury, and his return should give Philadelphia more options in the secondary.
Acquired from Las Vegas in an August trade, Bennett played only three games before his injury. It’ll be interesting to see what type of role he has now that he’s returning to action.
A Look at the Philadelphia Eagles Depth at CB Now That Jakorian Bennett Has Been Activated From IR
GettyJakorian Bennett has been activated from IR by the Philadelphia Eagles. It comes at a good time, shortly after Jaire Alexander’s surprise retirement.
With Quinyon Mitchell established as the team’s top outside corner, the opposite side has been more fluid. Adoree’ Jackson has started four games on the outside, and Kelee Ringo has rotated in at times, as well. Their usage has varied week to week, often depending on how defensive coordinator Vic Fangio decides to use them.
Cooper DeJean has added an unquestioned layer of versatility to the group. When the Eagles begin in base, he has frequently slid outside.
Now, Bennett reenters the competition as the fourth outside option. The depth chart rounds out with Mac McWilliams, who has carved out a nice niche on special teams, and veteran Michael Carter II, who can also play nickel.
“I thought Adoree’ [Jackson] played really well. I think that we were able to watch practice this week — thought Michael Carter did an excellent job this week, starting to get confidence and build confidence in him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said on November 12 (h/t Bleeding Green Nation).
“Was really excited about Jakorian before he got injured, really happy to have him back, and then Kelee [Ringo has] given us really good reps. And obviously, you have Q [Quinyon Mitchell] and Coop [Cooper DeJean] back there as well. So, feel really good about the depth at that [position].”
Before his injury, Bennett played only 24 defensive snaps for Philly. If he can play with a little more consistency, his role could grow over the second half of the season.
Eagles Coming Off Huge Win Over Packer, Face Surging Detroit Lions Team Next
The Eagles are fresh from a dominant defensive performance in their 10-7 Monday Night win over the Green Bay Packers.
Through nine games, the Eagles are 7–2, and are allowing 21.3 points per game on defense. Opponents have averaged fewer than 190 passing yards per game against the unit since late October, and their pass rush with new addition Jaelan Phillips has gotten some new life.
Next up, they’ll face another strong team from the NFC North in the 6-3 Detroit Lions, who are currently ranked second in the NFL in points scored (31.4) and sixth in total offense (372.4 yards per game). It’ll be another huge test for Fangio’s defense, and if they can eke out another win, it’ll put Philly in the drivers seat in the NFC.
