BUFFALO (93.7 The Fan) – We didn’t know until the first series, but Will Howard did start the final preseason game Thursday night in Buffalo. His stats, a local with an interception, a local with a touchdown, changes to the offensive line including the first-round pick’s first action and news about the roster.
Howard’s performance
Sacked on the first play of the game, Will Howard took advantage of a break and threw his first two touchdown passes as a pro. Steelers had to punt off that first drive, but a muff by a Buffalo returner gave the Steelers the ball at the Bills 13-yard-line. On the first play, Howard threw a pass in the flat to Germie Bernard, who beat his defender for a touchdown. Next drive helped by a poor punt, Howard had a 13-yard pass to Lew Nichols and a short pass to Lake McRee and he jumped into the end zone.
Next possession after a nice throw to Max Hurleman on 3rd and 10, Howard threw his third interception of the preseason as their appeared to be a missed audible.
Overall, Howard 9 of 15 for 69 yards with two TDs and an interception with an 83.1 QB rating.
Pitt pick
Former Pitt star and McKees Rocks star Damar Hamlin intercepted a pass in the second quarter thrown right to him at safety. There appeared to be miscommunication with a check made at one of the receivers, as no Steelers were in the area to make a reception.
Max debuts
After dealing with a neck/shoulder injury and missing a couple of weeks of training camp, first-round pick Max Iheanachor made his preseason debut playing a couple of series in the first half at right tackle. Iheanachor was beaten badly giving up a sack and was called for a holding penalty (albeit whether it was really holding is debatable).
Eli scores
You can imagine what the Mt. Lebanon grad, lifelong Steelers fan felt. Tailback Eli Heidenreich took a flip from Drew Allar on the second drive of the third quarter, going right side was able to power in for a 9-yard touchdown. The rookie from the Naval Academy accounted for 29 yards on the drive, matching his uniform number.
Wetjen arrives
Struggling as a returner until early in the fourth quarter when fourth-round pick Kaden Wetjen initially stepped back and then bolted forward for 45-yard punt return touchdown. Before that TD he had returned nine punts for 55 yards and a fumble (although the recovering team didn’t get two feet in bounds).
Different O line
For the first time this preseason, the Steelers started a different offensive line. Only one of the starters from all offseason even played and he did so at a different position. Here was the Steelers opening offensive line
- Left tackle-Dylan Cook (had been starter at right tackle)
- Left guard-Doug Nester
- Center-Ryan McCollum
- Right guard-rookie Jennings Dunker
- Right tackle-Broderick Jones
No starting D
Steelers had none of its starters on the field with the first team defense, a few who will get regular season snaps were on the field—DL Yahya Black, OLB Jack Sawyer, ILB Elandon Roberts, CB Brandin Echols
Joey--still no deal
With the news of DK Metcalf getting a restructuring of his contract to save $18 million for the cap this year, much talk of that meaning corner Joey Porter, Junior would sign soon, as he has been out all training camp (officially on PUP with a tweaked back, but more about the contract). There are no indications of that being imminent and the possibility remains he plays out the final year of his rookie contract, with the team holding the option of a franchise tag for 2027.
4 QBs a strong possibility
As the Steelers consider the roster construction, know that four quarterbacks on the active roster are a legitimate possibility. Nothing is set, injuries could play a part and they have a few days to finalize their decisions.
Roster
Steelers have until 6p on Sunday to make final roster cuts, although we will probably learn of a number of the names before that time. Team can start signing for the practice squad after 1p on Monday.
Storylines from the final preseason game in Buffalo
Storylines from the final preseason game in Buffalo
