Charlie Batch on why the Steelers may keep four QBs on 53-man roster

As final cutdown day nears, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves entangled in a classic preseason quarterback dilemma. Following uneven Week 2 performances from rookie signal-callers Will Howard and Drew Allar against the New York Jets, veteran Mason Rudolph may have emerged as the biggest winner of the night without even taking a snap.

Speaking on “The Snap Count” podcast, former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch noted that neither young passer did enough to claim the secondary role behind starter Aaron Rodgers.

“The only winner in this particular situation is Mason,” Batch explained. “He didn’t have to play, because the answer did not answer itself coming out of this game as it relates to one of those young quarterbacks able to take that next step and override him for that number two position.”

Howard’s two interceptions highlighted the steep learning curve for young quarterbacks facing smothering NFL defenses. Yet, despite these growing pains, the front office faces immense risk if it attempts to stash either rookie on the practice squad.

Batch emphasized that Howard’s upside makes him a target for quarterback-needy teams, making a waiver wire claim almost certain.

“I just don’t think that these two young quarterbacks will sneak through the waiver wire,” Batch said. “Somebody will pluck him off and potentially put him on the practice squad or the active roster somewhere else because he is a young talent.”

Batch also pointed out that reality aligns with reporting from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Gerry Dulac, who indicated the organization intends to retain both young passers on the 53-man roster.

If head coach Mike McCarthy chooses to keep four quarterbacks, it will force uncomfortable cuts at other position groups. However, until Howard or Allar proves capable of steadying the offense during a multi-week stretch, Rudolph’s veteran presence remains indispensable to Pittsburgh’s regular-season depth.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Charlie Batch on why the Steelers may keep four QBs on 53-man roster