The quarterback position isn\u2019t the only spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster with an intense training camp battle on the horizon. But of all the jobs up for grabs, the backup quarterback role may be the most polarizing among Steelers reporters and fans alike.<\/p>\n
Will Howard and Mason Rudolph are set to battle for what will likely only be one roster spot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Their performances in training camp and the preseason will decide the winner. But heading into the final weekend before camp starts, Steelers beat writer Ray Fittipaldo feels one of those two players is in the driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I had to place odds on it, I think Will Howard is in pole position, so to speak,\u201d Fittipaldo said Friday on 93.7 The Fan<\/a>. \u201cI think he had a good spring, but I don\u2019t think he\u2019s earned the job just yet. The preseason game\u2019s gonna be huge for him.\u201d<\/p>\n It makes sense that Howard has some sort of advantage. Already knowing what Rudolph is at this point in his career, the Steelers had Howard and Drew Allar taking most of the reps during OTAs. With Rodgers not likely to play much, if at all during the preseason slate, there should be plenty of opportunity for the youngsters.<\/p>\n But in a way, this competition isn\u2019t really between Howard and Rudolph. It\u2019s more about Howard earning the coaching staff\u2019s trust. If he exceeds expectations, it\u2019s going to be hard for Mike McCarthy to risk losing him in favor of a veteran backup.<\/p>\n