Overview

• Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac says Pittsburgh plans to place rookie Will Howard on injured reserve to start the season, clearing a spot for Skylar Thompson behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
• An IR designation would sideline Howard for at least four games after his Aug. 5 broken pinky, aligning the roster with Thompson as the third quarterback.
• Thompson boosted his standing with a standout preseason, completing 41 of 56 passes for 498 yards with four touchdowns and one interception.
• NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Raiders backup Aidan O’Connell fractured his right wrist and is expected to miss six to eight weeks, leaving Geno Smith backed by rookie Cam Miller.
• Raiders coach Pete Carroll said he wants a backup with game experience, and analysts have floated Thompson as a trade target who could draw late Day 3 draft compensation if Pittsburgh chooses to deal him.