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Young Steelers Talent Sent Back to IR – Fans Say His Rookie Season Is Over

Pittsburgh Steelers Plan for Will Howard Revealed

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — August 28, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered sobering news on Wednesday, placing rookie quarterback Will Howard and rookie cornerback Donte Kent on short-term injured reserve. Both players will miss at least four weeks, opening two roster spots on the team’s 53-man lineup and casting a shadow over what was expected to be a promising rookie campaign.

In corresponding moves, the Steelers re-signed veteran safety Chuck Clark and guard Max Scharping, bringing back two experienced leaders to stabilize depth. Clark, a versatile defender with playoff pedigree, adds insurance to the secondary, while Scharping provides much-needed reliability on the offensive line.

For Steelers Nation, the headlines quickly shifted from roster logistics to heartbreak. Fans flooded social media with frustration and sorrow, with one comment standing out:

“It feels like Will Howard’s rookie season ended before it even began. We wanted to see the future take shape this year — now it’s just a waiting game.”

Head coach Mike Tomlin, while visibly disappointed, emphasized patience and resilience in his post-practice remarks:

“These are young men at the very beginning of their careers. Injuries are a tough part of this business, but they don’t define a player’s journey. Will and Donte will have every opportunity to come back, grow, and continue to be a part of what we’re building here in Pittsburgh.”

The setback hits particularly hard for Howard, who had shown flashes of potential throughout training camp with his arm strength and composure under pressure. For Kent, a physical corner drafted to bring speed and depth to the secondary, the injury stalls a chance to carve out an early role.

With Clark and Scharping back in the fold, the Steelers now turn to their veteran presence to weather the storm. But the question lingers across Pittsburgh: Did the rookie dreams of 2025 just slip away before they even took flight?

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Chiefs Locker Room Erupts, Chris Jones Under Investigation for NFL Sports Betting in Jaguars Game - HC Andy Reid Hands Down Harsh Punishment
Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs' locker room is in turmoil following an NFL investigation into defensive star Chris Jones over allegations related to sports betting. Jones, a multiple-time Pro Bowler, has been placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through Week 10, while head coach (HC) Andy Reid has imposed internal penalties after a suspicious performance in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. SOURCE: https://x.com/TheNFLDrop/status/1975574483990909165 The incident stems from a decisive play at the end of the game, where Jones – the Chiefs' top defensive tackle – appeared to "do absolutely nothing" to stop quarterback Trevor Lawrence from scoring the game-winning touchdown. According to sources, this lack of effort prompted the NFL to launch an investigation, suspecting possible involvement in betting, a serious violation of league rules. "He just stood there watching Lawrence run into the end zone like he was watching a movie," an anonymous teammate shared, reflecting the outrage in the locker room. Jones, 31, has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs since being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Mississippi State. With an impressive career including 3 Pro Bowls, 2 Super Bowl wins, and 75.5 sacks, he signed a 5-year, $158 million contract in 2023. However, this season, Jones has only recorded 2 sacks through 5 games, and his performance against the Jaguars has drawn sharp criticism from Chiefs fans on social media. HC Andy Reid reacted strongly, penalizing Jones by sidelining him from practices and requiring an internal explanation. "We do not tolerate any behavior that harms the team or undermines the integrity of the game," Reid stated post-game. "Our organization prides itself on discipline and trust, and while we await the results of the NFL's investigation, we'll handle this internally to ensure it doesn't distract from our goals. Chris is a talented player, but no one is above the standards we set here in Kansas City." Meanwhile, the Chiefs' locker room is described as "explosive" with arguments, as some players like Patrick Mahomes express disappointment but still offer support for their teammate. The NFL investigation is expected to continue, and if violations are proven, Jones could face a long-term suspension. The Chiefs, currently at 2-3, must quickly stabilize their roster ahead of their next matchup. Fans are watching closely, with many calling this potentially the "biggest scandal of the season."