Overview

• Skylar Thompson capped his preseason by going 11-of-13 for 152 yards and a touchdown against the Panthers, including a 53-yard strike to Scotty Miller and a 24-yard score to Lance McCutcheon.
• The Steelers rebuilt room features Aaron Rodgers as the starter, Mason Rudolph viewed as the primary backup, Thompson pushing for a spot, and rookie Will Howard developing after a sixth-round selection.
• Howard is sidelined with a broken pinky, was seen with a hand wrap this week, and his earliest estimated return is Aug. 26, one day before the league-wide cutdown.
• One path to retain Thompson, as outlined in reporting, is placing Howard on injured reserve to open a roster spot, which would sideline the rookie for at least four games.
• At least one updated 53-man projection left Thompson off the roster and suggested Pittsburgh could seek a draft pick in a trade, though any move remains speculative before Tuesday’s deadline.