The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that they have activated rookie quarterback Will Howard from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The sixth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft moves onto the active roster, joining starter Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph.

Howard, who injured his hand during a training camp exchange, began the season on injured reserve and was designated to return on Oct. 22, starting a 21-day activation window. Wednesday marked the deadline for the Steelers to add him to the 53-man roster or leave him sidelined for the rest of the year. The former Ohio State standout missed all preseason games while recovering. To create space for Howard, Pittsburgh waived running back Trey Sermon, who could return via the practice squad. Sermon was promoted to the active roster only last week.

The team also added cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to its practice squad following a successful tryout. Samuel, a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, has appeared in 50 career games with 47 starts and recorded six interceptions. His 2024 season was cut short to four games due to neck and shoulder issues that later required spinal fusion surgery. Now cleared to play, Samuel will wear No. 22—the same number his father, Asante Samuel, wore during his 11-year NFL career with New England, Green Bay, and Atlanta.  In a corresponding move, the Steelers released defensive back Darrick Forrest from the practice squad.

Rodgers has completed 66.8% of his passes this season for 1,853 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions over nine starts. Rudolph has made two appearances, completing both of his pass attempts for 12 yards.

Pittsburgh (5-4) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.

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