The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback room got a little more interesting Monday. Rookie third-round pick Drew Allar was on the field for the first day of OTAs, taking reps in drills roughly a year after surgery on a broken left ankle ended his final Penn State season. For fantasy football managers tracking Pittsburgh’s depth chart, the sight of Allar throwing passes is the first real signal that the 2026 draft class is starting to take shape.
Allar was the fourth quarterback through drills behind the established veterans, per ESPN. That placement tells you everything about where he stands right now. But the fact he’s healthy enough to participate at all is the story. A broken ankle in November, surgery, and a full OTA workload by May is a tight recovery window for a rookie trying to earn snaps in an NFL offense.
What Allar’s OTA Participation Tells Us
The Steelers’ quarterback pecking order remains crowded, and Allar sits at the bottom for now. Pittsburgh brought in Aaron Rodgers in free agency, which reshuffled the entire depth chart and sent fantasy football projections into flux. Allar’s role in 2026 is developmental at best, but his presence on the field matters for two reasons: it confirms the ankle is fully healed, and it gives the coaching staff live reps to evaluate his arm talent and processing speed against NFL-level defense.
Looking at the tape from his Penn State days, Allar showed a quick release and the ability to push the ball downfield in play-action concepts. Whether that translates to a Steelers offense that will likely lean on Rodgers’ experience is another question entirely. The front office clearly liked enough to draft him in the third round, and OTAs are where rookies start closing the gap.
Key Developments
- Allar underwent surgery in November 2025 to repair a broken left ankle that ended his final college season at Penn State
- He was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft
- Aaron Rodgers signed with Pittsburgh in free agency, pushing Allar to the bottom of the quarterback depth chart
- Allar was the fourth quarterback through drills on Day 1 of OTAs, behind Rodgers and other veterans
- The Steelers’ OTA session marks Allar’s first organized team activity since being drafted
How Does This Affect Fantasy Football Rosters?
Let’s be direct: Drew Allar is not a fantasy football relevant option in 2026. Rodgers is the starter, and Pittsburgh’s offense will run through him as long as he’s healthy. But for dynasty league managers, Allar is a name to stash on the watch list. Third-round quarterbacks who recover from significant injuries and earn OTA reps as rookies have a track record of eventually getting opportunities, whether through injury, trade, or a future starting job.
The more immediate fantasy football takeaway from Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is what Rodgers’ presence means for the skill position players. A veteran quarterback who can still deliver the ball with timing and accuracy boosts the floor for receivers like George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth. Rodgers’ willingness to push the ball downfield could also open up the run game for Najee Harris, whose fantasy value has been inconsistent the past two seasons.
Tracking this trend over three seasons, Pittsburgh’s offense has lacked a true downfield threat at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Rodgers changes that equation, even at 42 years old. The numbers suggest that when Pittsburgh has had a quarterback willing to take shots, the receivers’ target share and yards per reception both climb significantly.
What’s Next for Allar and the Steelers
Training camp in July will be the real proving ground. OTAs are non-contact, so Allar won’t face a live rush until padded practices begin. That’s when the Steelers’ coaching staff will get a true read on how his ankle holds up under pressure and whether his pocket presence can handle NFL speed. Based on available data from his college tape, Allar has the physical tools, but the mental side of the game is where most third-round quarterbacks either sink or swim.
The Steelers’ front office has historically been patient with developing quarterbacks, and the Rodgers signing gives them the luxury of time. Allar doesn’t need to be ready in 2026. He needs to show enough growth by 2027 to justify the third-round investment. For now, fantasy football managers should focus on the Rodgers-led offense and treat Allar as a deep dynasty stash with a long developmental timeline.
Is Drew Allar fantasy football relevant in 2026?
No. Allar is the fourth quarterback on Pittsburgh’s depth chart behind Aaron Rodgers and other veterans. He is a developmental rookie and should only be considered in deep dynasty leagues as a long-term stash.
What injury did Drew Allar recover from?
Allar underwent surgery in November 2025 to repair a broken left ankle that ended his final season at Penn State. His participation in May OTAs confirms he has recovered from the procedure.
Where was Drew Allar drafted in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Allar in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He was the team’s third-round pick and joined a quarterback room that includes Aaron Rodgers.
How does Aaron Rodgers affect Pittsburgh’s fantasy football outlook?
Rodgers’ signing boosts the fantasy floor for Pittsburgh’s skill position players, including George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris. A veteran quarterback willing to push the ball downfield raises target share and yards per reception for receivers.
When will Drew Allar get his first real test in Steelers practices?
Training camp in July will be Allar’s first test against live contact. OTAs are non-contact sessions, so padded practices during camp will show how his ankle handles NFL-level pressure and pass rush.
