DK’s Daily Shot of Steelers: And Will Howard?

38 comments

1. As a former college running back, who only got to play as much as I did by becoming a savvy special teamer (then later having the privilege to coach special teams at my alma mater), the way DK described the unique importance of guys like Connor Heyward & Carson Bruener was perfect.

   Love hearing the "other specialists" get some love too. Great stuff as always DK!

2. People need to understand that special teams has changed to the point that it’s no different than offense or defense. Just like a linebacker has a particular set of skills, so does the gunner on the punt team. And so do the other specialists, whether it be long snapper, kicker, QB, or guys that find ways to make tackles on kickoffs and punts. Beanie simply hasn’t shown that he can do that. The one difference is that being a core special teamer is ok about hard work to go with the talent.

3. Will Howard is gonna be a great NFL quarterback. Rather that's here or elsewhere.. I sure hope he at the very least gets his shot to show what he can do here. Howard is such a likeable young man. He has everything he needs to be successful. He just has to put it all together.

4. What do you think the team will do if they can't trade up high enough to get the future at qb?

5. Great, informative episode. Help me to understand why if Howard is taken off IR he has to be the no. 3 QB?

6. I really think rudolph would have a better chance to clear waivers than Thompson

7. Fanciful story… if they really like what they see in Howard I don’t think they will draft a QB

8. August 5th, 2025…. a date that will live in infamy.

9. I'm keeping Skylar and Will over Mason.

10. Can they put him on IR if it’s not injured anymore, I’d think NFL doesn’t allow to just put ppl on IR so doctors prolly need to say he can’t play? Or they can lose their status?

11. DK my man, you see how you just looked around the corner about our next qb well that's how some of us think all of the time. I wonder why that is

12. Full year IR feels like the right answer here. ❤️🔥🍻

13. I agree 100% Skylar has made this very difficult with his play. He took advantage of his opportunity. Tomlinizm. One mans misfortune is another man opportunity. I have no answer for this situation and why im not a GM

14. Carson has played well on ST. Carson has a LB skill set you can possibly build on. He is a good ST. He is on a cheap contract for 4 years. Thats where Carson has the biggest edge.

15. Don't they say Howard has a shot at being a coach because of his big brain? Thinking he will be OK on the sideline, but still a Tough Break

16. Always drama where there doesn’t need to be any!

17. So, had Howard not broken his finger, they still didn't plan on using him at all this year, even if necessary? So, they would sign a guy off the street before they used Howard, even if he comes back after week 4?

18. Kind of a weird episode. Injury or no injury to Howard, the team needs to decide who has a developmental future between him and Thompson. That’s your number 3 for the season – either now, or in week 4 when Howard can come off IR.

19. People need to stop believing internet hype. I think Will Howard probably does have potential but he has never thrown an NFL pass, ever. The hype around him and other rookies is completely undeserved. Let the kid have time to develop, whether that's with the Steelers or someone else.

20. Tough break but there's no guarantee the QB we draft next year A) will be ready to play and B) actually pans out. Plus Mason will be back next year and AR has already hinted he might come back if things go well, Howard will eventually get his shot but he's gonna have to be mentally tough while he waits 😎

21. Morning DK! So depending on what Roger’s does as far as retiring or surviving this season, I see a way for Howard to remain. They draft a QB in round one, then you decide between Mason and Skylar so the QB room could be the draft pick, Howard and Thompson.
    Possible??

22. The way DK laid this out, sounds like if Howard didn’t injure his finger and he balled out in camp/pre season and forced the Steelers to cut Thompson, next year’s drafting of a top-tier QB would have ended with the same results, meaning Howard’s stint with the team was temporary…especially if ARod comes back for another season 🤷🏻‍♂️ #PSFL

23. If I never again in my life hear the names Skylar Thompson or Will Howard, it will be too soon

24. The Mason Critics/haters make me puke. Jets fans hated Sam Darnold. Sam, went from the Jets, to the Panthers, to the 49ers, to the Vikings where he proved he is a QB1 and now got a QB1 contract with the Sea Hawks. Mason has proved in regular season games, that he could move the office and win games. Skylar Thompson and Will Howard have not proven that in regular season games.

25. Thank you DK, It's a tough break for Will Howard and it would have been nice to see him play. I don't see any reason to cut him. Great show DK

26. I say move on from Mason and keep Skyler and will

27. I hope you're wrong about Will Howard. He's the future of the franchise and has massive potential. Come draft time dump Skylar and Mason and That'll give Howard the chance to play and develop. This injury was definitely a setback but he's too good to let go.

28. Dont tell Markus Wheaton that

29. Will Howard, needs to be able to show what he has this season, rememeber the Steelers are likely to get a high draftee QB next year. So his opportunity greatly dims.

30. When Ramon Foster said this injury was the worst thing to happen to Will Howard he wasnt lying. Will Howard will be an after thought come April

31. So, what you're saying is that they think they've made a mistake.

32. I would have rather the Steelers trade Mason or Skylar and roll with Howard as QB3. I think if Howard had played pre-season that would have definitely been the case. Not against them taking a QB in round 1 next year but also want them to do well this year so that means trading draft capital to move up or reaching for a guy like the did with Kenny Pickett. Honestly would like them to draft a WR in the fist to go along with DK and see what Howard can do.

33. Fwiw, You'll recall the Roy Gerela-Cliff Harris-Jack Lambert dust-up in SB X, yes? Why was Lambert in position to rag-doll Harris like that? He was a blocker on the field goal unit…and the starting middle linebacker.
    I believe he and Mel Blount were on the kickoff team long into their careers.

34. CUT MASON AND KEEP THE 2 KIDS NEXT YEAR

35. SKYLER AND HOWARD ARE FUTURE

36. I'm not convinced the Steelers will draft a QB early on next year. It depends on which other college players break out and the Steelers' needs at that time. It also depends on how their QB situation evolves this season. And of course, injuries are always a possibility, especially with a 41-year old QB at the top. Who knows how AR will do even if healthy?

37. Let’s be real the QB picture will be much clearer after the bye week 5 that’s when the real decisions need made. Bonus if another teams QB goes down trade value for Mason or Skyler goes ⬆️

38. Steve Tasker made a pro bowl career on special teams.