VT. Steelers keep Will Howard for another week. Coach Mike Tomlin’s hopes leave the NFL in disarray.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t ready to bring rookie quarterback Will Howard back yet. Despite opening his practice window and beginning the process of returning from Injured Reserve, the team is keeping him inactive for the time being, and he’ll miss Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers because of it.

Howard rejoined the team during practice in the midst of preparing for the Packers. It was the first time the sixth-round rookie was on the field since suffering a broken bone in his throwing hand during training camp.

He missed the entire preseason and start of the regular season because of it. Pittsburgh chose to place him on Injured Reserve after their 53-man roster was finalized.

Howard’s Return to Practice

The Steelers opened the door for Howard to return to the field and eventually the team when they released Logan Woodside from the practice squad. The move left them with just two quarterbacks and hinted at Howard being brought back for the second half of the season.

“It was like all that joy of being a little kid playing football again came back,” Howard said after returning. “It was scout team, I handed the ball off. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled more on two handoff plays in my life.”

He’ll need to continue to wait to be with the team on game days, though. The Steelers have 21 days from the day they opened his return window to actually activate him. If they chose to, he’ll return to the 53-man roster. If they don’t, he’ll be shut down for the remainder of the season.

This week, they chose to keep him within that window, not activating him before their final Week 8 deadline.

Coach Howard

While he was off the field, waiting patiently for his chance to return, Howard remained around the team. He and Aaron Rodgers continue to grow a strong connection, and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith jokingly said he’s been like another coach during his IR stint.

“It’s been like having another quality control [coach] around the building. [We] call him Coach Will. Now he’s back to being player Will,” Smith told reporters.

Coach Will can now return to the field, and the Steelers will likely activate him before his 21-day window closes. However, there’s a chance they wait the entire 21 days, allowing themselves to see what other injuries, if any, occur that could limit them with designated return spots.

The team only has seven left to use, and has players like Malik Harrison and Donte Kent already on IR. Cory Trice Jr. already counts toward the eight because he was placed on IR before the season started, although he has yet to return.

David Ortiz’s Heartfelt Act of Heroism: More Than Just a Home Run Hero

In a moment that transcends the boundaries of sports, David “Big Papi” Ortiz, the legendary slugger and three-time World Series champion, has once again proved that his heroics extend far beyond Fenway Park. Known for his clutch performances and larger-than-life persona on the baseball diamond, Ortiz’s latest act of kindness is one that has captured the hearts of fans and sports enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying his place as a true hero.

This time, however, Ortiz wasn’t swinging for the fences or driving in runs in the World Series. Instead, he was in the Dominican Republic, by the bedside of a young child in desperate need of a life-saving heart surgery. The emotional gesture occurred when Ortiz flew back to his homeland to hold the hand of the child before the operation, a gesture that left many in tears.

The powerful moment was not only moving for the child’s family but for all who were fortunate enough to witness the kindness. In a quiet, heartfelt moment, Ortiz whispered to the child, “I once saved the Red Sox with a home run, today I want to save your heart.” Those words, simple yet profound, underscored the deep compassion that Ortiz has always carried with him, both on and off the field.

For Ortiz, his philanthropic work has been just as important as his baseball career. Through the David Ortiz Children’s Fund, he has been a beacon of hope for countless children, providing critical heart surgeries to young patients in the Dominican Republic and New England. Ortiz, who has long been known for his charity work, has always been outspoken about giving back to the community, particularly when it comes to helping children.

This act of compassion, however, goes beyond the expected. While many athletes engage in charity work, Ortiz’s willingness to physically show up in such a personal and meaningful way has set him apart. It is easy to forget that a man who has hit so many monumental home runs for the Boston Red Sox has also quietly made just as significant contributions off the field, changing lives with his charitable endeavors.

The significance of Ortiz’s actions cannot be overstated. He’s not just a former baseball player who used his fame to fund charitable causes – he’s a true example of selflessness. The child who benefited from the surgery, thanks to Ortiz’s intervention, will undoubtedly carry that moment for the rest of their life, as will the many fans who have followed Big Papi’s career and charitable journey.

As Ortiz moves forward in his post-baseball life, it’s clear that his impact will continue to resonate far beyond the sport he helped elevate to new heights. While Red Sox fans will always remember the game-changing hits and clutch performances, it’s moments like these that cement his legacy as a hero, not just in baseball, but in the hearts of those who have witnessed his dedication to making the world a better place.

Big Papi may have been known for saving the Red Sox in the most dramatic of ways, but today, his legacy extends far beyond the game. In saving a child’s heart, Ortiz has shown that the power of a true hero doesn’t just lie in the bat he wields, but in the heart he shares.