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Veteran Skylar Thompson Clash in Steelers Camp for QB

There’s always a twist in training camp, and this year, it might come from the least expected place — the battle for the Pittsburgh Steelers' third-string quarterback. With rookie Will Howard going head-to-head with Skylar Thompson, a rematch years in the making could end in heartbreak for one of them. The decision might feel minor on paper, but its ripple effect could shake up the Steelers' depth chart — and possibly their future.

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Camp battles are nothing new in Pittsburgh, but this one carries a unique subplot. The league trend is clear: most teams are now carrying only two quarterbacks into the regular season. But the Steelers, ever the contrarians, are rolling with four — Aaron Rodgers as the clear starter, Mason Rudolph as the reliable backup, and then the wildcard duo: Thompson vs. Howard. It’s not just about who performs better — it’s about who fits better into a team looking for both stability and long-term upside.

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Skylar Thompson brings veteran savvy and the kind of steady, unspectacular presence coaches value when chaos hits. He’s no stranger to being underestimated. While his stat line won’t turn heads, his experience and poise make him a dependable option — the kind of guy who won’t win you games, but won’t lose them either. And most notably, Thompson already beat Howard once in their Kansas State days. History has a funny way of repeating itself.

Five Fast Facts: Skylar Thompson

Will Howard’s draft status complicates the picture. Picked in the sixth round, he enters with more questions than answers. Though once touted as a possible Day 2 selection, his slide to the later rounds spoke volumes. Still, his arm talent and upside give the Steelers a project worth developing — if they can afford the patience. But the clock is ticking. Howard must shine quickly, because Pittsburgh’s room is too crowded, and practice squad insurance isn't a likely luxury.

As QB Will Howard begins new chapter with Steelers, he's still 'the guy' in  Ohio: 'I'm always going to have a home here' - Yahoo Sports

This isn’t just about QB3 — it’s about opportunity and timing. Should Howard fail to make an early impression, he might find himself out of Pittsburgh before his career even starts. For Steelers fans, this battle might not come with the glitz of primetime headlines, but it deserves attention. Because when the roster is trimmed to 53, one man’s dream might be cut — while the other’s gets revived in black and gold.

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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