The latest installment of “Asked and Answered,” published on August 17, 2025, addresses a variety of questions from fans regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster decisions, player performance, and NFL policies.
A reader from Old Forge, Pennsylvania, asked about Aaron Rodgers’ readiness for the regular season given his limited preseason play. The response noted that starting quarterbacks across the league rarely play significant minutes in preseason games and emphasized Rodgers’ strong command during practices at Saint Vincent College. “Overall, I thought Aaron Rodgers looked in command and comfortable with the offense, and he was given only 1 day off over the course of 14 practices between July 24 and Aug. 12. Rodgers made some incredible throws, he moved around freely in buying time to make his throws, and he was as consistently on target as anyone I ever had seen in a training camp setting. And I also will point out that Rodgers wasn’t dinking and dunking to pad any ‘imaginary’ camp stats; he was working the ball down the field and in the middle of the field against a secondary that’s going to show itself to be athletic and competitive this season. My opinion is that if the Steelers offense struggles early in the regular season it will be because of something other than the quarterback play.”
Questions about Will Howard’s status were raised by multiple fans after an injury prevented him from participating in preseason games. One answer provided an update on Minkah Fitzpatrick: “Minkah Fitzpatrick plus a seventh-round pick were traded to the Miami Dolphins for Jaylen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith, and a seventh-round pick on June 30.” Regarding Howard’s roster prospects ahead of cut-down day on August 26, it was stated: “I do not know what’s going to happen with Will Howard when the rosters are reduced to 53 players on Tuesday, Aug. 26. But I would be shocked if he is waived.”
Further clarification came regarding injured reserve rules for Howard: “If Will Howard goes on the injured reserve list before rosters are cut to 53, then he is out for the season and would lose a year of development because he wouldn’t be allowed to practice. That’s the rule.”
A question from Cleveland concerned whether this year’s receiving group is sufficient for contention. The response placed less emphasis on receiver performance compared to other team needs: “On the list of things the Steelers need to happen in order for them to contend for a championship this season, I don’t believe the quality of the receiver play is as high on that list as a lot of people think.”
An update was also provided about Andrus Peat’s role since joining Pittsburgh: “My opinion is that the Steelers are looking to assemble some offensive line depth for the start of the regular season. The starting 5 in that group is set, but depth is always necessary…the Steelers are giving him a look to see if he might be able to provide the team with some versatility as a backup.”
The progression of Yahya Black along Pittsburgh’s defensive line was addressed positively: “With training camp and 1 preseason game under his belt, I believe Yayha Black is on the path to showing enough to be a part of the regular season gameday rotation along the defensive line.”
One fan questioned why running backs cannot have shorter rookie contracts due to their short career spans; it was explained that such changes would require negotiation within collective bargaining agreements.
Inquiries about team highlight videos revealed these productions continue annually but may not always air publicly: “What I do know is that those videos still are made every year.”
The relative importance of coaching versus player talent drew this response: “You cannot actually believe that a play-call in and of itself is more integral to the offense than great talent executing even some random play that’s drawn out of a hat.”
Perks available beyond salary—such as healthcare benefits or retirement plans—were acknowledged but not detailed.
Finally, regarding NFL policy on suspending games due to injuries following recent incidents like Morice Norris’, it was noted such actions typically occur only during preseason contests.
