Mike McCarthy considers breaking pattern to carry four quarterbacks
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 6:15 PM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
Head coach Mike McCarthy of the Pittsburgh Steelers may change his longstanding approach by carrying four quarterbacks on the active roster for the first time. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor highlighted that this shift could help develop young players while ensuring veteran depth behind Aaron Rodgers. McCarthy emphasized the importance of his 'quarterback school' during practice, enabling increased development for rookies Will Howard and Drew Allar. Veteran Mason Rudolph serves as injury insurance, allowing the team to balance immediate needs with future growth. The Steelers are reassessing their roster strategy ahead of the regular season.
- •McCarthy has never kept four quarterbacks on a Week 1 active roster.
- •Will Howard and Drew Allar may receive significant development opportunities.
- •Mason Rudolph provides essential veteran support behind Aaron Rodgers.
- •The Steelers are balancing short-term needs with long-term talent development.
- 2:05 PMYahoo Sports — Steelers Coach Mike McCarthy Hints at Breaking From Tradition With Four-QB Roster
- 6:15 PMYahoo Sports — Why Mike McCarthy may break pattern to keep 4 quarterbacks
"Given the efforts the rest of the cast outside Aaron Rodgers put in, Mike McCarthy may be ready to break from tradition and have four QBs on the roster.
"Head coach Mike McCarthy could alter his historic roster approach to develop young talent while keeping veteran depth behind Aaron Rodgers.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 2:05 PMSteelers Coach Mike McCarthy Hints at Breaking From Tradition With Four-QB Roster
Given the efforts the rest of the cast outside Aaron Rodgers put in, Mike McCarthy may be ready to break from tradition and have four QBs on the roster.
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 6:15 PMWhy Mike McCarthy may break pattern to keep 4 quarterbacks
Head coach Mike McCarthy could alter his historic roster approach to develop young talent while keeping veteran depth behind Aaron Rodgers.
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