5 Critical Facts About The Pittsburgh Steelers' Backup Quarterback Situation In 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback depth chart for the 2025 season has captured intense media scrutiny, particularly concerning the critical backup role behind future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. As of December 20, 2025, the Steelers have navigated a season where the primary backup has already been thrust into action due to a starter's injury, proving the immense value of a reliable second-string signal-caller. The current situation highlights a blend of veteran experience and promising rookie talent, all vying for position in one of the NFL's most storied franchises.
The transition to a new quarterback room, spearheaded by General Manager Omar Khan, has dramatically reshaped the team's outlook. The stability of having a proven veteran starter is now coupled with the insurance policy of a backup who has already delivered crucial wins when called upon, making the Pittsburgh Steelers' backup quarterback one of the most important positions on the roster.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 Quarterback Depth Chart and Key Biographies
The Steelers’ quarterback room is structured to provide both immediate security and a long-term developmental pipeline. The current depth chart is led by a blockbuster acquisition, but the true story of the season lies with the players listed below him.
Aaron Rodgers (Starter)
- Full Name: Aaron Charles Rodgers
- Born: December 2, 1983 (Age 42)
- College: California
- Experience: 21st NFL Season
- Role: Acquired to be the franchise's immediate Super Bowl contender.
Mason Rudolph (Primary Backup)
- Full Name: Brett Mason Rudolph III
- Born: July 17, 1995 (Age 30)
- College: Oklahoma State
- NFL Draft: 2018, Round 3, Pick 76 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Experience: 8th NFL Season
- Career Starter Record: 9-8-1 in 18 career starts.
- Role: The veteran presence and most trusted emergency starter, having reunited with the team in 2025.
Will Howard (Third String/Rookie)
- Full Name: William Thomas Howard
- Born: September 24, 2001 (Age 24)
- College: Kansas State, Ohio State
- NFL Draft: Rookie (Undrafted or Late Round Pick, serving as a rookie in 2025)
- Experience: Rookie (R)
- Role: Developmental QB, served as the active backup to Rudolph when Rodgers was inactive.
Skylar Thompson (Fourth String/Injured)
- Full Name: Skylar John Thompson
- Born: June 4, 1997 (Age 28)
- College: Kansas State
- NFL Draft: 2022, Round 7, Pick 247 (Miami Dolphins)
- Role: Currently listed on Injured Reserve (IR), providing additional depth when healthy.
The Unsung Hero: Why Mason Rudolph Is The Steelers' Most Critical Backup
The identity of the Pittsburgh Steelers' backup quarterback has shifted over the past few years, but the 2025 season has firmly established Mason Rudolph as the reliable second-in-command. His return to the team was a calculated move by the front office to secure a steady understudy for Aaron Rodgers.
Rudolph’s value lies not just in his knowledge of the system—having been drafted by the Steelers in 2018—but in his proven ability to step in and win games in high-pressure situations. An insider even referred to him as the "NFL's Best Backup," a title earned through his composure and efficiency when the team needed him most.
The critical nature of his role became apparent late in the 2025 season. When Aaron Rodgers was forced to miss a crucial Week 12 matchup due to a left wrist injury, the Steelers turned directly to Rudolph to start. This decision underscored the trust the coaching staff and organization have in his ability to manage the offense and keep the team's playoff hopes alive, a task he has handled successfully in the past.
The Rookie Factor: Will Howard's Developmental Role
While Mason Rudolph is the immediate safety net, the Steelers are also strategically developing their future quarterback options. Rookie Will Howard, out of Kansas State and Ohio State, has taken on the role of the third-string quarterback.
Howard's presence on the depth chart is a nod to the team's long-term planning, even with a veteran like Rodgers at the helm. He spent four seasons at Kansas State, where he set a career record for touchdown passes, before transferring to Ohio State in 2024.
During the period when Rodgers was injured and Rudolph was elevated to starter, Howard served as the active backup, a significant vote of confidence for a first-year player. This experience, even if limited to holding a clipboard, provides invaluable exposure to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, accelerating his development. He represents the organization's potential future at the position, ensuring the pipeline remains stocked even after the veteran era concludes.
The 5 Critical Takeaways From The Steelers' QB Depth Chart
The 2025 season has provided five key insights into how the Pittsburgh Steelers view and manage their quarterback situation:
- Veteran Insurance is Paramount: The decision to re-sign Mason Rudolph, despite a crowded QB market, shows the Steelers prioritize a proven, experienced backup who knows the organization over a low-cost, unproven commodity.
- The "Best Backup" Title is Earned: Rudolph's ability to maintain a near-.500 record as a starter (9-8-1) and his performance stepping in for the injured Rodgers in 2025 validates the high praise he has received from team insiders.
- Rookie Development is Active: Will Howard's elevation to the active backup role during Rodgers' injury period indicates that the team is actively using the 2025 season as a developmental year for the rookie. He is being groomed for a larger role down the line.
- Injury Management is Key: The Steelers have demonstrated a clear and decisive plan for managing injuries to their starting quarterback. When Rodgers went down, the transition to Rudolph and then to Howard as the emergency option was seamless and pre-determined.
- Future Planning is Underway: While Aaron Rodgers is the immediate focus, the presence of young players like Howard and Skylar Thompson (when healthy) confirms that the Steelers are thinking beyond the immediate 2025-2026 window for their franchise quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' backup quarterback situation is more than just a footnote; it is a critical component of their competitive strategy. Mason Rudolph provides the reliable bridge, ensuring the team remains a contender even if the starting quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is temporarily sidelined. Meanwhile, the development of rookie Will Howard offers a glimpse into the potential future of the position in the Steel City.
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