The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 4 clash against the Minnesota Vikings in Croke Park, Dublin, had an unexpected subplot brewing days before the first whistle. As per reports, backup quarterback Skylar Thompson has been a victim of a robbery incident.

Thompson, the fourth quarterback on the Steelers’ depth chart at the moment, was already reeling from a hamstring injury he suffered in practice before Week 2. While he’s on the IR, he was traveling with the team for their international game. Ahead of their Week 4 matchup, the Steelers arrived in Ireland on Friday. Thompson was reportedly “jumped and robbed” on Friday. Reports suggest Thompson has suffered minor injuries in the incident.

The Steelers have withheld commenting on the situation at the moment. But as Steelers spokesperson Burt Lauten noted, “We are aware of a situation involving Skylar Thompson on Friday night in Dublin. – We will have no further comment at this time as we are working with NFL security to gather more information regarding the incident.”

Skylar Thompson was reportedly out exploring the city on Friday, September 26th, when the incident happened. As Tom Pelissero reports, despite the minor injuries, Thomson is okay. With the team working with the NFL security, we’ll know more about the details of the incident as and when the investigation progresses. In the meantime, with Thompson out, the depth behind starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers feels rather thin for Pittsburgh.

The quarterback shuffle behind Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers remains the clear starter for head coach Mike Tomlin. Behind him on the depth chart is Mason Rudolph, looking for an opportunity to make a splash if Rodgers goes down. Rudolph is on his second stint with the Steelers after a rocky year with the Tennessee Titans. Skylar Thompson was the emergency third-string quarterback behind A-Rod and Rudolph. But with the hamstring injury, he is expected to miss at least four games and is expected to make a return around Week 7. In the meantime, rookie quarterback Will Howard holds down the emergency quarterback spot.

Being a developmental prospect learning from Aaron Rodgers, Howard isn’t expected to make his NFL debut any time soon. But voices around the league offer an interesting narrative about the rookie’s journey.

As Mike Tannenbaum, ESPN analyst and former NFL GM, dropped a bold prediction, “Will Howard will be starting for the Pittsburgh Steelers by Dec. 1. – Aaron Rodgers is an all-time great, but he will be 42 in December. Last year, Pittsburgh gave up sacks at the 28th highest rate, meaning they were not very good protecting the passer.” With poor pass protection and Aaron Rodgers already taking significant hits this season, an injury sidelining could open up the door for Howard.

As Tannenbaum further notes, “I think Will Howard has a meaningful chance to be the quarterback of the future and Mike Tomlin will play the best players. By the time we get to December, watch what happens.” December is still quite far away. For now, entering Week 4, the Steelers are looking forward to getting their third win of the season. The Steelers’ offense is showing flashes of brilliance under Rodgers. Can they end September with some more highlight throws and another win in their belt?