Rookie quarterbacks Allar and Howard impress in Steelers' preseason victory over Packers

Rookies Drew Allar and Will Howard each saw meaningful action as the Steelers defeated the Green Bay Packers 28-9 in a preseason matchup at Acrisure Stadium. Allar, a third-round pick from Penn State, completed 10 of 13 passes for 153 yards, two passing touchdowns and a rushing score, while Howard completed 7 of 9 attempts for 86 yards and led a two-minute scoring drive before halftime.

Allar entered the game in the third quarter and connected with fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen on a 74-yard catch-and-run before scoring on a read-option keeper. He said he focused on “enunciating the playcall” and felt his preparation in practice helped him mentally for the game.

Howard, who missed last year’s preseason after a finger fracture, took three series, including a successful two-minute drill that set up a short touchdown run by Lew Nichols. He credited the drill work from camp for his performance.

"I thought as far as the way they took the play, commanded the huddle. ... I liked the way Will responded. ... He did a good job overcoming some long down on distances, and I thought his two-minute drill was outstanding. And I thought Drew played very, very well," coach Mike McCarthy said.

Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, sidelined with a training-camp injury, remained on the sidelines but offered guidance to the young quarterbacks, sharing observations on defensive signals and situational awareness.

"He really kind of talked to all three of us, but more me and Drew, just about some little things that helped him when he was young in the preseason," Howard said of Rodgers.

Allar finished the game with scoring drives on three of his four series, while Howard’s drive featured key completions to Ben Skowronek and tight end Robert Tonyan. The win came as wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf remained out with injuries.