The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their final decision regarding rookie quarterback Will Howard for their Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite some speculation about his potential activation, Howard will not be available for the game. This decision impacts the Steelers’ quarterback depth and overall roster strategy as they head into a critical Sunday Night Football game.
Howard’s journey with the Steelers has been closely watched since he was drafted. An injury during the preseason landed him on injured reserve, delaying his opportunity to make an impact. As the Steelers evaluate their quarterback options behind Kenny Pickett, the timing of Howard’s return remains a key question for fans and analysts alike.
This article will delve into the details surrounding the Steelers’ decision on Howard, the other inactive players for Week 10, and the broader implications for the team’s performance and future roster moves. We’ll also explore the potential timeline for Howard’s activation and what role he might play once he’s back on the active roster.
Will Howard Inactive for Week 10
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially declared Will Howard inactive for their Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Chargers. This decision was finalized when the team announced its inactive list, confirming that Howard would remain on injured reserve. Along with Howard, defensive back Damontae Kazee, who was also listed as questionable, will be inactive as well.
To activate Howard and Kazee, the Steelers would need to move them off injured reserve. The fact that neither player was activated suggests that the Steelers are taking a cautious approach with their return, prioritizing long-term health over immediate availability. With an open roster spot available, the decision to keep Howard and Kazee sidelined indicates a strategic choice by the coaching staff.
In addition to Howard and Kazee, the Steelers’ inactive list includes key players such as Isaac Seumalo, Allen Robinson, Damonte Kazee, Cole Holcomb, and Larry Ogunjobi. These absences will test the Steelers’ depth and require other players to step up in their respective positions. The Steelers will need strong performances from their backups to secure a win against the Chargers.
Steelers Must Activate QB Will Howard Soon
Will Howard’s situation is further complicated by the ticking clock on his injured reserve status. Howard was placed on IR early in the season due to a right-hand injury sustained in August. Although he has since returned to practice, the Steelers have yet to activate him.
The NFL’s injured reserve rules stipulate that a player has a 21-day window to practice before being activated. If the Steelers do not activate Howard by November 12, he will be forced to remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. This deadline adds pressure to the Steelers’ decision-making process, as they must weigh the benefits of activating Howard against the risk of potentially rushing him back too soon.
Howard has been participating fully in practice, signaling that he is nearing full recovery. However, the Steelers’ coaching staff may want to see more before giving him the green light. When Howard eventually returns, he is expected to slot in as the No. 3 quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky.
Steelers Missing 4 Players in Week 10
The Steelers’ injury woes extend beyond Will Howard, as they will be without four key players for the Week 10 matchup. Isaac Seumalo, Allen Robinson, Damonte Kazee and Cole Holcomb have all been ruled out due to various injuries.
Seumalo’s absence is particularly significant, as he is the team’s starting left guard. In his place, the Steelers will start Nate Herbig, who typically serves as a sixth offensive lineman in jumbo packages. The Steelers’ offensive line will need to maintain its effectiveness against the Chargers’ defensive front. The Steelers may need to adjust their offensive strategy to compensate for the change in personnel.
Without Damonte Kazee at safety, the Steelers will rely on Keanu Neal and Eric Rowe to fill the void. Veteran safety Minkah Fitzpatrick will also be available. The Steelers’ secondary will be tested by the Chargers’ passing attack. The Steelers’ defense will need to generate pressure on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert to disrupt their passing game.
Allen Robinson’s absence at wide receiver further depletes the Steelers’ offensive options. With Robinson sidelined due to a finger injury, the Steelers will look to Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and Miles Boykin to carry the load. The Steelers will need to find ways to create separation against the Chargers’ secondary.
Arthur Smith Utilizes the Jumbo Package
With Isaac Seumalo out, it remains to be seen whether offensive coordinator Arthur Smith will continue to utilize the jumbo package. The jumbo package has been a key component of the Steelers’ ground attack, providing an extra offensive lineman to create running lanes. However, with Nate Herbig already in the starting lineup, deploying the jumbo package would require the Steelers to use their No. 7 lineman.
The effectiveness of the jumbo package depends on the ability of the offensive line to create a push at the point of attack. With Herbig in the lineup, the Steelers may need to make adjustments to their blocking schemes. The Steelers’ running backs will need to be decisive in their cuts to maximize their yardage gains.
Arthur Smith’s play-calling will be crucial in determining whether the Steelers can establish a successful running game against the Chargers. Smith will need to find creative ways to exploit the Chargers’ defensive weaknesses. The Steelers’ offense will need to maintain balance between running and passing to keep the Chargers’ defense guessing.
Big Performance
The Steelers’ linebackers will need to continue their strong play against the Chargers. Kwon Alexander and Mykal Walker are coming off big performances, and their increased playing time could provide a boost to the Steelers’ defense. The Steelers’ linebackers will need to be disciplined in their run fits and effective in their pass coverage.
Cole Holcomb’s absence due to illness opens the door for other linebackers to step up and make an impact. Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson will also see increased playing time. The Steelers’ linebackers will need to communicate effectively to ensure that the defense is aligned properly.
The Steelers’ defense will need to contain Chargers running back Austin Ekeler and limit his effectiveness as a receiver out of the backfield. The Steelers’ linebackers will play a key role in containing Ekeler and preventing him from making explosive plays.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to keep Will Howard inactive for Week 10 underscores the team’s cautious approach to his recovery and integration into the active roster. The Steelers are facing several key injuries as they prepare to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.
The Steelers’ ability to overcome these challenges will depend on the performance of their backups and the coaching staff’s ability to make strategic adjustments. The Steelers’ success will hinge on their ability to execute their game plan.
As the Steelers navigate the season, the timing of Will Howard’s activation will continue to be a closely watched storyline. Once he returns, Howard will have an opportunity to prove himself and potentially compete for a larger role in the future. For now, the Steelers are focused on the task at hand: securing a win against the Chargers and staying competitive in the AFC playoff race.
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