Steelers Retain 4 QBs as Drew Allar and Will Howard Make 53-Man Roster

The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized their 53-man roster by keeping four quarterbacks, including rookie Drew Allar, who completed 9 of 18 passes for 88 yards in his final preseason outing.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers finalized their initial 53-man roster on Sunday, August 30, 2026, by retaining four quarterbacks behind 42-year-old starter Aaron Rodgers. Coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and rookie Drew Allar earned spots as the team trimmed the roster from 90 players. In the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, Allar completed 9 of 18 pass attempts for 88 yards during the second half. This roster move coincides with the activation of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, avoiding a mandatory four-game absence for the 2023 second-round pick who suffered a back injury during a mobility workout on the first day of training camp.

Quarterback Roster Depth and Preseason Stats

McCarthy’s decision to keep a four-man Steelers quarterback room marks the first time in his tenure he has entered Week 1 with four signal-callers on the active roster. The evaluation process included a preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers where all four quarterbacks had promising debuts, followed by more turbulent performances. Against the New York Jets, Will Howard threw two interceptions and Drew Allar was sacked three times. During the subsequent game in Buffalo, Howard threw an interception to Bills safety Damar Hamlin on a play intended for Lake McRee. Howard, who started both the second and third preseason games, was sacked three times and underwent a head injury evaluation in the second half against the Bills.

Despite the turnovers, McCarthy emphasized that the lack of regular-season time restrictions would allow for an expanded "quarterback school" component before and after practices. The coach noted that having four quality players enhances the regular season environment, stating he would keep six quarterbacks in the building if it were feasible. Allar, a rookie, noted he felt confident in his operation of the offense despite two near-interceptions in the third quarter of his final preseason appearance.

Veteran Stability and Roster Adjustments

Mason Rudolph enters the season as the primary backup to Rodgers, despite not playing in the final two preseason contests. Rudolph participated in two series during the first preseason game, and while his unit did not score, his steady performance throughout training camp secured his veteran standing. Rudolph stated he can execute the same offensive concepts as Rodgers and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the unit. The team prioritized keeping second-year player Howard and the rookie Allar to ensure thorough developmental evaluation, even at the cost of depth at other positions.

On the defensive side, the Steelers moved safety DeShon Elliott to Injured Reserve with a designation to return. Elliott, who missed the 2025 season due to a knee injury, played in the second preseason game before experiencing soreness that sidelined him for a practice the following week. The activation of Joey Porter Jr. follows what McCarthy described as a "business situation" involving a contentious extension negotiation between the cornerback and the front office.

Development and Coaching Philosophy

McCarthy dismissed concerns that a crowded room would hinder the growth of younger players, arguing that the quality of the current group justifies the roster spots. The Steelers are betting on the long-term potential of Howard and Allar while relying on the 42-year-old Rodgers to lead the starting unit. Allar credited his growth to mentors among the players and coaches, citing his ability to learn from mistakes put on tape during his three preseason appearances. The team officially moved to the 53-man limit three days after the preseason finale, following McCarthy's Thursday night assessment that all four quarterbacks had earned their positions through on-field performance.