Steelers coach says all four quarterbacks merit roster spots

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said all four quarterbacks on the roster have earned their spots following the team’s 28-27 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday. He described the assessment as “a very accurate evaluation” and expressed confidence in the quarterback group, noting two veteran players who can win games and two younger players with future potential.

McCarthy, who has never kept four quarterbacks on a Week 1 roster in his 18-year coaching career, indicated this season may be different. The veteran group includes starter Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph, while second-year quarterback Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar have drawn positive attention during the preseason.

Howard completed 9 of 15 passes for 69 yards and two touchdowns in his second preseason start, also recording an interception and three sacks before being evaluated for a possible head injury. Allar entered the game at halftime, finishing 9 of 18 for 88 yards without a touchdown or interception and avoiding any sacks.

"As much as we wanted to go down and win the game, it's also great things to learn from," Allar said, describing the experience as valuable for his development.

Allar highlighted mentorship from veterans such as Rodgers and Rudolph as beneficial. Rodgers and several other starters did not travel to Buffalo, a decision McCarthy said was based on individual health considerations and the team’s sports-science protocols.

"We had a list of guys that didn't travel and it was all based off things they were dealing with all through camp," McCarthy explained. "So, they were put into working with trainers… That's kind of the process I've always done."