Howard was pretty damn useless

He was the mule, the strong one. He also tortured, castrated and killed two men with Forrest. Wouldn't say useless lol

Howard needed more screen time and definitely more lines.

He's the muscle

Howard really shone after Jack got beaten up. While sensible Forrest went in and gave Jack a pep talk (not what he wanted to hear, but necessary), then those two sheriffs showed up and Howard pummeled them, yelling, "You touched my brother? MY brother!?" That is Howard's "use." He is what Forrest is not, and they both play parts in raising Jack.

No pretty useless all the same , ( not him personally ) his character , he could've been used smarter and given more screen time invested