Trippier was named on the bench for the second Premier League game in succession as Newcastle faced Bournemouth away.
The 33-year-old was often Newcastle's on-pitch captain last season but that responsibility has now been given to Bruno Guimaraes.
Trippier featured for Newcastle's Under-21 side against Sunderland recently but Howe is adamant he will have a part to play for the Magpies going forward.
Howe added that Trippier's return to training was delayed by his involvement with England at Euro 2024, with Tino Livramento having seized his opportunity to start at right-back for Newcastle.
Eddie Howe stated that Kieran Trippier remains a big part of Newcastle's future
Asked on Sky Sports whether fans can read anything into Trippier being on the bench, Howe responded: 'No. Kieran's just back from the Euros, he's had limited training. He's a massive part of our future.'
Despite Howe's comments, there remains uncertainty regarding Trippier's Newcastle future, with the right-back open to a departure before the transfer deadline.
Everton are interested in Trippier, with Atalanta and Galatasaray also monitoring the situation.
Trippier has been at Newcastle since January 2022, when he joined from Atletico Madrid. He has made 92 appearances for the Magpies.