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Steelers Rookie Walks Out, T.J. Watt Issues Stark Warning

Latrobe, PA – August 15, 2025 — Rookie quarterback Will Howard stood on the sideline in a bucket hat and team hoodie, his throwing hand wrapped and taped. A fractured pinky finger suffered in a non-contact drill earlier this month has sidelined him for at least three weeks, effectively wiping out his preseason reps.

A former Ohio State football player is in danger of getting cut after fluke  injury

Howard had been gaining momentum as a developmental passer with a big arm and growing command of the huddle. Now, his role has shifted to observer. In recent practices, he’s been seen following the offense from behind the play, chatting with coaches, and relaying calls — but the absence of live snaps is clearly wearing on him.

Steelers Rookie QB Will Howard Reflects on Rough Start to OTAs: 'Roll With  the Punches' - Yahoo Sports

During one scrimmage, Howard lingered behind the bench, eyes locked on the field as other quarterbacks rotated in. For a moment, the thought crossed his mind to leave early. Instead, he stayed, watching every rep, perhaps fueled by equal parts frustration and determination.

Rookie quarterback Will Howard may have already had his welcome to the NFL  moment after the first week of Steelers OTAs - A to Z Sports

T.J. Watt, the Steelers’ defensive leader, summed up the message for every rookie:

“In this league, you’ve got to stay. Presence matters. Let’s see your fight.”

Will Howard on first week of Steelers OTAs - YouTube

For Howard, the challenge is now twofold — heal quickly, and prove he can make an impact despite the setback.

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Raiders Reunite with a Former Starter to Fortify the Offensive Line
Las Vegas, NV   The Las Vegas Raiders have brought back a familiar face in a move that screams both urgency and savvy: versatile offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor is returning to the Silver & Black on a one-year deal (terms not disclosed), reuniting with the franchise where he logged some of the best football of his career and immediately fortifying a position group that has been stretched thin. Eluemunor, 31, started for the Raiders from 2021–2023, showing rare position flexibility across right tackle and guard while anchoring pass protection against premier edge rushers. His technique, anchor, and ability to handle long-arm power made him a steadying force during multiple playoff pushes. After departing Vegas, Eluemunor spent time elsewhere refining his craft, but a confluence of roster needs and scheme familiarity has set the stage for a timely homecoming. For the Raiders—fighting to keep pace in a rugged AFC—this is about stability and fit. Injuries and week-to-week availability on the right side of the line have forced constant shuffling; protection packages have leaned heavily on chips and condensed splits to survive obvious passing downs. Eluemunor’s return allows the staff to plug him at RT or slide him inside at RG, restoring balance to protections and widening the run-game menu (duo, inside zone, and the toss/ pin-pull that Vegas fans love when the edge is sealed). “Jermaine knows who we are and how we want to play,” a team source said. “He brings ballast. Assignment sound, physical, and smart—he raises the floor for the entire unit.” Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s an unmistakable emotional charge to this reunion. Eluemunor was a locker-room favorite in his previous stint—professional, detail-driven, and accountable. The belief internally is that his presence stabilizes communication on the right side (IDs, slides, and pass-off rules vs. games and simulated pressures), which in turn unlocks more vertical concepts and keeps the quarterback cleaner late in games. On social media, Raider Nation lit up the timeline with a simple refrain: “Welcome back, Jem.” Many fans called the deal the exact kind of “rival-poach, ready-to-play” move a contender makes in October: low friction, high impact, zero learning curve. What it means on the field (immediately): Pass pro: Fewer emergency chips, more five-out releases—OC can re-open deeper intermediate shots without living in max-protect. Run game: Better edge control on toss/duo; more confidence running to the right on money downs. Depth & versatility: One injury doesn’t force a cascade of position changes; Eluemunor can cover two spots with starting-level competency. The timetable? Swift. Because Eluemunor already speaks the language—terminology, splits, cadence rules—he could suit up as early as this weekend if the medicals/check-ins continue to trend positive. The message is clear: the Raiders aren’t waiting around for the line to gel—they’re engineering it. If Jermaine Eluemunor plays to his Raider résumé, this reunion could be the precise mid-season jolt that steadies the offense and keeps the Silver & Black firmly in the postseason race. Raider Nation, the question writes itself: Plug-and-play stopgap—or the catalyst that reclaims the right side