Howard's winning score came two plays after Tarik Cohen broke off what appeared to be an electric 73-yard touchdown run. He was ruled out at the Pittsburgh 37, but Howard took over from there and the Bears came away with a surprising victory.
Howard had 138 of Chicago's 220 yards rushing, making up for a lackluster performance by quarterback Mike Glennon.
The Steelers (2-1) stayed off the sideline for the national anthem in the wake of President Donald Trump's comments that players who kneel in protest should be fired, though left tackle Alejandro Villanueva — an Army veteran — stood near the tunnel with his hand over his heart.
