Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, center, talks with players on the sideline during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth likes what he’s seen from the team’s two young quarterbacks so far this offseason.

With second-year pro Will Howard and rookie Drew Allar competing for roster spots behind veteran Aaron Rodgers, while also having veteran Mason Rudolph, Arth said Wednesday he likes the makeup of the current quarterback room.

“They’re able to help each other, number one, first and foremost,” Arth said. “Aaron is incredible with the entire group, especially Will and Drew as young players. But even Mason has had an incredible career. He’s played almost a decade of football. That’s pretty rare and pretty special, so he has some great experiences. Those guys have an opportunity to learn from him, as well.”

Arth played under Steelers first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, so he knows first-hand what’s expected. He also was a backup quarterback to Peyton Manning with the Indianapolis Colts, so he knows how young players — like Howard and Allar — need to prepare for those roles.

“I think it’s really positive to have two young guys together,” Arth said. “Obviously, they’re at a little bit different stages and different players, but two guys who are going to be very competitive with one another. They get along well. They’re both great, great people — smart players — but they’re ultra-competitive. They wouldn’t be here if they weren’t. I’m very excited to see how that plays out as we get into training camp and get into the preseason, just how the two of them bring out the best in each other.”

Jacobs out of jail

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was released from a Wisconsin jail while authorities further investigate allegations of domestic abuse.

The Brown County prosecutor gave an update Wednesday. District Attorney David Lasee said it’s too soon to make a formal charging decision. Jacobs was arrested Tuesday in Brown County on allegations of strangulation and other offenses over the weekend.

Jacobs’ lawyers said they’re pleased that he’s out of jail.

Chargers extend James

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Five-time Pro Bowl safety Derwin James and the Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a multiyear extension.

The team announced the deal Tuesday. James was entering the final year of his contract, and general manager Joe Hortiz had prioritized keeping him. Over the last two years, James has helped the Chargers’ defense rank fourth in the NFL in total defense.

The team led the league in 2024 by allowing just 17.7 points per game. James has started all 98 career regular-season games, with 684 tackles, 19 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 46 passes defensed.