The Washington Commanders named Jacoby Brissett the starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Ron Rivera announced on Wednesday.
Brissett had replaced Sam Howell in the second half of each of Washington’s last two games, leading the Commanders to touchdown drives in five of his six possessions.
The move potentially ends Howell’s season — barring injury — after 15 starts. There were several promising stretches for Howell this season, but he has struggled since a Week 11 loss against the New York Giants. The past two weeks against the Rams and Jets have been particularly brutal for Howell.
Rivera didn’t guarantee Brissett would start the season finale.
Rivera said Brissett will start vs. the 49ers. Didn't guarantee both games. "We'll see how things go."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 27, 2023
Howell has completed 63% of his passes for 3,624 yards, with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He was sacked 60 times and had a quarterback rating of 80.5.
Rivera spoke Tuesday of perhaps the accumulation of the hits Howell has taken (112) may have played a part in his recent struggles.
Brissett, 31, is in his eighth NFL season and on his fifth NFL team. He has played in 79 career games with 48 starts. He’s a career 61% passer with 51 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. In limited playing time this season, Brissett has completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns.
After last Sunday’s game, Brissett spoke in-depth about mentoring Howell throughout the season, particularly through his recent struggles, and believes Howell has a bright future.
The Commanders host the 49ers on Sunday and finish the year with another home game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18.