Overview
- The Steelers released their first depth chart on Wednesday listing Aaron Rodgers as the starter, Mason Rudolph as the primary backup, Will Howard third and rookie Drew Allar fourth.
- Local insiders Mark Kaboly and Ray Fittipaldo reported that Allar has shown better early practice form than Howard, giving the rookie a performance edge in camp.
- Mason Rudolph’s prior NFL starts give him the conservative lead for the QB2 role as coaches favor experience behind 42-year-old Rodgers.
- Coach Mike McCarthy and GM Omar Khan have not ruled out carrying four quarterbacks, but doing so would cost a 53-man roster spot and hinge on preseason game performance and health.
- The decision timeline will hinge on preseason reps starting with the Aug. 13 exhibition opener and the roster cutdown at the end of August, with Allar’s third-round draft status and both younger QBs’ injury histories factored into evaluations.