The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed rookie quarterback Will Howard on injured reserve, the team announced Thursday. This news comes after Howard, a sixth-round pick out of Ohio State (by way of Kansas State), suffered a fractured pinkie finger during training camp earlier this month. The injury will sideline him for at least the first four weeks of the season.
Steelers Roster Shuffle: Clark and Scharping Return
In corresponding moves, the Steelers have re-signed veteran safety Chuck Clark and offensive guard Max Scharping. Both players were released earlier this week as the Steelers trimmed their roster. Clark, a nine-year NFL veteran, brings experience to the Steelers' secondary. Scharping provides depth along the offensive line, having previously played for the Texans and Bengals.
What This Means for the Steelers QB Depth Chart
Howard's injury further thins the Steelers' quarterback room. While the team has not commented on the severity of the injury beyond the IR designation, his absence leaves a gap in their developmental plans. The Steelers will likely rely on their existing quarterbacks for the immediate future. The team also placed cornerback Donte Kent on injured reserve.
- Will Howard: Placed on injured reserve (hand).
- Chuck Clark: Re-signed to the active roster (safety).
- Max Scharping: Re-signed to the active roster (offensive guard).
- Donte Kent: Placed on injured reserve.
The Steelers are looking to solidify their roster before the start of the regular season. These moves are aimed at addressing immediate needs and providing depth at key positions. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact the team's performance on the field.