LATROBE, Pa. — Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is adapting to life with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he is facing challenges in finding the right helmet. The specific model he wore last season, the Schutt Air XP Pro Q11 LTD, has been banned for not meeting updated safety standards. As a result, Rodgers has been practicing with the new Schutt Air XP Po VTD II, but he has expressed his dissatisfaction with the design.
“I don’t like it, no,” Rodgers remarked on Tuesday. “It looks like a damn spaceship out there.” He highlighted the mismatch between the helmet and his face mask, which he noted was an older model. “We got to change it,” he stated, as he continues searching for the right fit.
Rodgers first voiced his frustration during minicamp earlier this summer, sharing his discomfort with the new helmet. “I’ve worn a Schutt for 20 years, and somehow it finally didn’t pass the safety standard,” he said in June, clearly disappointed with the transition.
Rookie Quarterback Faces Injury Setback
While Rodgers grapples with helmet issues, rookie quarterback Will Howard is confronting his own difficulties following a “freak accident” that caused a broken finger on his throwing hand. The injury occurred during a center-quarterback exchange last week, initially leading Howard to believe he had only jammed his finger. However, after continuing to practice, he realized the injury was more serious.
“I couldn’t really grab the ball and I was like, I think something’s kind of messed up here,” Howard explained. His assessment proved correct, as he later discovered the extent of the injury. “It didn’t feel right. I can normally tolerate pain pretty well, but I literally could not grip the football,” he added.
Howard, selected in the sixth round of the draft, is not scheduled for surgery but is currently wearing an immobilizer on his ring and pinky fingers. “It sucks,” he said, reflecting on his desire to participate in practice. Before the injury, he was listed as the third-string quarterback behind Rodgers and Mason Rudolph.
The rookie described his recovery timeline as “week-to-week,” adding that he remains uncertain about his participation in any preseason games. “I hope so. I was just going to have to see how this heals,” he stated. He emphasized his commitment to staying prepared, saying, “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.”
Coach Mike Tomlin will likely monitor Howard’s progress closely, as the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season. Both players are navigating their respective challenges as they aim to contribute to the team’s success.
