PITTSBURG -- Mike McCarthy is giving his young quarterbacks valuable reps, naming Will Howard the starter and Drew Allar the backup for Friday night's preseason game against the New York Jets. Neither Aaron Rodgers nor Mason Rudolph will play in the second preseason contest.

"They're young," McCarthy said. "Will didn't get to play last year. I have some veterans I feel really good about, obviously with Aaron and Mason. I saw what I needed to see from Mason last week. I've talked highly about Mason really since the spring. So I really want to max out the opportunities with both Will and Drew."

Rudolph, entering his seventh year with the Steelers, started the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, completing 10 of 11 attempts for 93 yards. Howard replaced Rudolph in the second quarter and led a two-minute scoring drive before halftime. Allar finished the second half with three total touchdowns.

"Preseason football is great for young quarterbacks on so many fronts," McCarthy said. "You want to see them command the offense, take the play entry, get up to the line of scrimmage."

Howard completed 7 of 9 passes for 86 yards, while Allar completed 10 of 13 for 153 yards with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score.