Steelers Keep Skylar Thompson on Roster After Stellar Preseason Showdown

Steelers Keep Skylar Thompson on Roster After Stellar Preseason Showdown

The winds of change are blowing through the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ quarterback room as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season. With the injury of rookie Will Howard, the spotlight has shifted to 28-year-old Skylar Thompson, who has successfully carved his niche on the team’s 53-man roster after a standout preseason.

Thompson’s journey to prominence began when he was signed by the Steelers in January and initially positioned as the QB4. However, the unfortunate breaking of Howard’s hand opened the door for Thompson to step into a more significant role, and step up he did. Over the course of three preseasons games, he completed an impressive 41 of 56 passes, translating to a completion rate of 73.2%. He threw four touchdowns and only had one interception, showcasing his potential to be a serious contender in the tight-knit quarterback landscape of Pittsburgh.

A Preseason to Remember

Thompson’s performance against the Carolina Panthers on August 21 left fans buzzing. He celebrated a touchdown pass during that game, further sealing his fate as an unexpected star of the preseason. After gaining significant attention, Thompson emerged as one of the Steelers’ realistic quarterback options alongside Mason Rudolph and Logan Woodside, particularly given Howard’s injury status. What’s more, Thompson’s strong showing led the Steelers to reassess their roster strategy, noting that they hadn’t anticipated a quarterback competition at training camp before his emergence.

While Thompson thrived primarily against second and third-string opponents, his ability to execute under pressure has not gone unnoticed. The Steelers are taking a wait-and-see approach as they begin the 2025 season. They plan to evaluate his performance throughout the following month, which leaves his future somewhat uncertain. Once Howard is healthy and ready to return, questions loom: will Thompson maintain a spot on the active roster, or could he find himself reassigned to the practice squad?

Future Prospects

The unfolding situation presents both challenges and opportunities. There’s something to be said for the pressure of performing well, especially when considering Thompson’s rise from relative obscurity. He fully embraced the extra practice reps afforded by Howard’s injury, demonstrating the grit and determination needed to succeed in the NFL. If he proves his mettle, he could secure not just a place on the Steelers but potentially earn a look from other teams in need of a quarterback.

As the Steelers embark on their season journey, the tale of Skylar Thompson will undoubtedly be one to watch. How he navigates the upcoming games could be pivotal not only for his career but also for the Steelers‘ campaign. With uncertainty surrounding the future of both him and Howard, one thing is for sure: the competition is heating up in Pittsburgh, and fans are ready to see what happens next.

For more detailed coverage of this exciting season, visit Sports Illustrated and PennLive.