Skylar Thompson Making A Case for Steelers' Third Quarterback

Photo Credit: Alysa Rubin/Pittsburgh Steelers

Third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson may have entered Steelers training camp as a longshot, but after a dazzling preseason debut, the conversation surrounding his roster spot is heating up.

In Pittsburgh’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thompson turned heads with a commanding performance, completing 20 of 28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns—without surrendering a single interception. He demonstrated strong command of Arthur Smith’s offense, particularly in red zone situations.

Importantly, Thompson isn’t just a camp body. The former seventh-round pick appeared in 10 games for the Miami Dolphins over the past three seasons. That level of real-game experience is rare for a fourth-string quarterback and gives him a distinct advantage in adapting to NFL speed and pressure.

With rookie Will Howard sidelined due to a fractured finger and Thompson outperforming expectations, the Steelers may be forced to reevaluate their quarterback depth chart. Carrying four quarterbacks is uncommon—but not unprecedented—especially if Thompson continues to shine in the remaining preseason games.

Should Thompson fall short of making the 53-man roster, he would be a strong candidate for the practice squad. However, his recent performance could draw interest from other teams, making him a potential waiver risk. If Howard’s recovery lingers and Thompson continues to impress, Pittsburgh could face a difficult decision—albeit the kind of dilemma teams welcome.