THE Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room has been thrown into turmoil after rookie Will Howard, dubbed Aaron Rodgers' protege – is tipped for a long stint on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old, who joined the team to eventually take the reins from Rodgers is set to land on injured reserve according to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo.

Howard, who dazzled in college and was seen as a future starter has been unable to suit up this preseason due to a nagging hand injury.

And with the final 53-man roster deadline looming, Pittsburgh looks poised to sidestep a brutal QB cut by stashing Howard on IR – meaning he’ll be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season.

That leaves the door wide open for Skylar Thompson, the forgotten man under center to complete an unlikely preseason

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