LATROBE, Pa. – Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is facing challenges not just on the field but also with his equipment as he transitions to a new helmet. The Pittsburgh Steelers player had to switch from his previous helmet, the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, which was banned for failing to meet updated safety standards. Rodgers has been practicing with the new Schutt Air XP Po VTD II, but he is far from satisfied.
“I don’t like it, no,” Rodgers stated during a press conference. He expressed his concerns about the design, saying, “It looks like a damn spaceship out there.” The veteran quarterback is working to find a suitable alternative, noting that the helmet’s face mask does not fit correctly. “We got to change it,” he added, referring to the ongoing modification process.
Rodgers has been vocal about his frustrations with the helmet switch since earlier this summer. During minicamp, he remarked, “I can’t stand the helmet. I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standard.” The adjustment has not only been a physical challenge but also a mental one for the player.
While Rodgers navigates his equipment difficulties, rookie quarterback Will Howard is dealing with a significant setback of his own. Howard sustained a broken finger on his throwing hand during a “freak accident” involving a center-quarterback exchange last week. Initially, he believed he had merely jammed his finger, but further examination revealed a more serious injury.
“I couldn’t really grab the ball, and I was like, I think something’s kind of messed up here,” Howard shared. He continued to practice for a short time but quickly realized the extent of the injury. The sixth-round pick confirmed he will not require surgery but is now wearing an immobilizer on his ring and pinky fingers.
“It sucks,” Howard lamented, expressing his disappointment at missing practice time. Prior to his injury, he was listed as the third-string quarterback behind Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. “Every ounce of me wants to be out there playing, and I’m just sitting here doing nothing. It kills me, especially on something that felt like dumb to me.”
Howard described his recovery as “week-to-week” and remains uncertain about his participation in upcoming preseason games. “I really hope so. I’m just going to have to see how this heals,” he said. “I defer to Coach Mike Tomlin on a lot of that stuff. I’m still just taking it day by day, week by week, and doing what I can to stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.”
Both quarterbacks face their unique challenges as they prepare for the upcoming season with the Steelers. For Rodgers, it is about finding the right helmet that meets safety standards, while Howard must focus on recovering from his injury. The team will need both players at their best as they aim for success in the competitive landscape of the NFL.
