The Pittsburgh Steelers wrapped up their exhibition slate with a narrow 28-27 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but the scoreboard tells only half the story. Fans are primarily concerned about quarterback Will Howard, who seemed injured as the first half concluded. Yahoo Sports reports that Howard visited medical staff for evaluation of an injury potentially altering the team’s entire trajectory.
The Sack Count and the Head Injury
Howard faced a brutal pass rush that left him vulnerable throughout the game. Against the Buffalo Bills, Howard was sacked three times, a statistic that is notable in a preseason designed for rhythm and protection. The specifics of the head injury are unknown, yet the visual evidence from the field suggests something serious. Per The Athletic via Mike DeFabo, the medical team stepped in immediately, signaling that the coaching staff took the hit very seriously.
When a young quarterback takes that many hits without a clear return to action, alarm bells should ring loud in Pittsburgh. The loss of rhythm during a critical development phase is bad enough, but the potential for long-term damage is far worse. Fans who watched the game saw Howard struggle to find his footing after the hits, and that hesitation could linger if he isn’t fully cleared.
Roster Spots Hang in the Balance
The stakes for Howard’s health go far beyond a single game or a preseason stat line. Should the Steelers consider Howard’s injury severe, he might begin the season on IR. This conditionality creates a massive cloud of uncertainty over the roster spot he was fighting to secure. A placement on injured reserve would effectively sideline him before the regular season even begins, altering the depth chart overnight.
Steelers fans know that depth at the quarterback position is vital for a team with championship aspirations. Losing a potential starter to a head injury during the final week of camp is a nightmare scenario. The team has no choice but to wait for the medical evaluation results, but the window for recovery is closing fast as the regular season approaches.
The Path Forward for Pittsburgh
The situation demands a cautious approach from the front office and the coaching staff. Rushing Howard back without full medical clearance could risk his career and the team’s season. With the injury severity still unknown, the organization must prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. This uncertainty forces the Steelers to look at other options on the roster, a move that rarely happens without significant drama.
Will Howard’s future with the team now hinges on a medical report that has not yet been released. The three sacks he took against the Bills were the catalyst for a potential roster shift that no one saw coming.
