Commanders bench QB Sam Howell in Week 16

Former UNC football quarterback Sam Howell has been benched in Washington for Week 17.

The Washington Commanders have made a decision at quarterback and it’s not good news for former UNC standout Sam Howell.

After winning the starting job and playing well early in the season, Howell has hit a major speedbump leading to back-to-back benchings. Now, Howell is being replaced for the final two games of the season as the Commanders are turning to veteran Jacoby Brissett as the starter for the final two games.

Brissett came in for Howell in Week 15 and 16, providing a spark for the Commanders despite the two games being losses. He gets the chance to start the final two games and potentially earn himself some money this offseason.

For Howell, it’s unclear what the future holds. He’s going to enter year three of his rookie contract and did play well at times this season. However, the Commanders could be in a position to draft a quarterback in April as they hold the No. 3 pick as it stands now.

Howell completed 63.2% of his passes this season, throwing for 3,624 yards, 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions this season.

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