Pittsburgh Steelers in major blow as Aaron Rodgers quarterback partner suffers broken hand and ruled out injured

THE Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room, which is headlined by Aaron Rodgers, has taken a hit in the injury department.

The Steelers have lost one of their young NFL signal-callers to injury.

Getty

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard seen in action during mandatory minicamp on June 12[/caption]

Getty

Steelers star quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Howard seen during a drill[/caption]

Pittsburgh are in the middle of the training camp period as they prepare for the first preseason game this weekend.

But Mike Tomlin and the Steelers won’t be seeing a quarterback participate in the workouts or exhibition games after an injury setback.

Pittsburgh sixth-round pick Will Howard has suffered a hand fracture after banging it during practice, per NFL Network.

Fortunately, the 23-year-old isn’t expected to undergo surgery.

Still, Howard is awaiting further tests and is still set to be ruled out for at least three weeks, with the upcoming campaign approaching.

He was expected to be one of the backups of the four-time NFL MVP Rodgers, who penned a one-year, $13.6 million deal this offseason.

In June, Rodgers gave a glowing review of Howard’s personality and IQ during the team’s first mandatory minicamp session.

“Will’s a good kid. We’ve got to talk a little bit. I thought he did really well today,” Rodgers told reporters.

“You know, he seems pretty bright.”

Rodgers also told The Pat McAfee Show that he wants to be Howard’s mentor.

“If I can help him become a better player, that would be an incredible achievement.. He’s such a good kid and I’m really looking forward to helping him out this season,” he said on the hit ESPN program in June.

Howard is coming off a collegiate season in which he led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a national title.

He was named Offensive MVP of the championship game.

During his four-year college tenure, Howard posted 83 passing touchdowns against 35 interceptions along with 26 rushing scores.

AP

Rodgers looks to pass as Howard waits his turn during training camp on July 26[/caption]

The other quarterbacks listed on the Steelers’ depth chart are veterans Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson.

Howard is listed as the third-string signal-caller as he’s behind Rodgers and Rudolph on the initial depth chart.

It’s not known whether the team intends to pick up a quarterback in Howard’s absence.

The Steelers will travel to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first preseason game on Saturday.