Will Howard Opens Up About His Tough Recovery: 'Excited to Help This Team Reach Its Full Potential'
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard is making his long-awaited return to the field after a challenging recovery. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard’s early days with the team were marked by optimism and potential. However, a broken pinkie finger during training camp sidelined him for much of the preseason, leaving the young quarterback to watch from the sidelines as his team moved forward.
Despite the setback, Howard’s outlook remains incredibly positive. In a recent interview, he opened up about his tough recovery process and shared his excitement about getting back on the field. "The road to recovery hasn’t been easy, but it’s been a learning experience," Howard said. "I’m thankful for the support of my teammates, coaches, and the fans. I’m excited to return to the field and help this team reach its full potential."
The injury, though frustrating, gave Howard an opportunity to learn from veteran quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, who have both seen significant action in the NFL. While his injury kept him out of action, Howard’s growth during this time hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed confidence in Howard’s future, noting that the rookie quarterback has shown maturity and commitment to improving during his time off.
Howard’s recovery journey hasn’t been easy, but it has made him more determined than ever to contribute to the Steelers’ success. The road to recovery has involved not just physical healing, but mental preparation as well. Howard has spent countless hours studying the playbook, working with coaches on his mechanics, and staying engaged with his teammates to ensure he’s ready when the opportunity arises.
"The support I’ve received from everyone, especially my teammates, has been incredible," Howard continued. "They’ve been there every step of the way, pushing me to get better and reminding me that I’m part of this team, even if I’m not on the field. I’m incredibly grateful for that support."
As the Steelers move forward, Howard is eager to show what he can bring to the table. Although he has yet to make his regular-season debut, his resilience and work ethic have positioned him well for the future. The team is excited about what he can contribute, both in practice and, eventually, in games.
Howard is not only focused on his own development but also on helping the team reach its full potential. He has made it clear that when given the chance, he will be ready to step in and play a role in the team’s success.
The Steelers are looking to build on their strong start to the season, and having Howard ready to contribute could be a key piece of the puzzle as they push toward the playoffs. Whether it’s in a backup role or a more prominent one down the line, Howard’s determination and eagerness to help the team succeed are clear.
Eric Stokes Making Packers' Nate Hobbs Mistake Look Even Worse
One of the biggest offseason signings for the Green Bay Packers has also been the team's most significant disappointments during the 2025 campaign. Nate Hobbs, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal in the spring, has been underwhelming through the first seven weeks of the season, and just had his worst game on Sunday. Considering what former Packers CB Eric Stokes has been doing in Las Vegas as a member of the Raiders, the Packers front office must have serious regrets about their decisions.
Eric Stokes' Bounce-Back Season Gives Packers Major Regrets
Stokes signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Raiders after the Packers declined his fifth-year option. The former first-round pick had his injury struggles during his tenure in Green Bay, and hasn't lived up to expectations, but this was a surprising decision, especially considering that Jaire Alexander was also released.
While the Raiders are off to a poor start, having just lost to the Chiefs 31-0 in Week 7, Stokes is having a nice bounce-back season. He is in the midst of the best season of his career per Pro Football Focus, receiving a 66.4 defensive and 67.1 coverage grades. He has three pass breakups in six games and has allowed a 72.9 passer rating.
Interestingly enough, Hobbs arrived in Green Bay after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Raiders, essentially the mirror image of Stokes with the Packers. However, Hobbs is in the midst of the worst season of his career, receiving a 59.3 defensive and 54.0 coverage grades on PFF. He has only one pass breakup and is allowing a 127.1 passer rating in coverage.
Hobbs got paid like a true difference-maker while Stokes got a one-year, prove-it deal. Yet, the respective on-field production couldn't be farther from what their contract situations suggest.
In Hobbs' defense, part of the problem is certainly his usage. In Las Vegas, Hobbs was almost exclusively used as a nickel corner. In fact, the only other season where he played the majority of his snaps on the outside was the second-worst season of his career, receiving a 60.9 grade. He has thrived in the slot throughout his career, but the Packers' insistence on using him on the outside has not done him or this defense any favors.
Even if there was a progression to the mean for Hobbs and a regression for Stokes, it's obvious that the Packers made a mistake. Any team would rather be paying Stokes $4 million for one year rather than Hobbs $12 million annually for four years.
