The Washington Commanders will finish the season with the same quarterback they began it with. On Wednesday, coach Ron Rivera told reporters that Sam Howell will start the season finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday afternoon.
Howell has started the previous 16 games for Washington despite being benched in Week 16 and being demoted to backup last week, only for Jacoby Brissett to be a late scratch due to a hamstring injury.
#Commanders coach Ron Rivera told reporters that QB Sam Howell will start in Week 18 against the #Cowboys.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2024
In 16 games this season, Howell has thrown 20 touchdown passes and a league-high 19 interceptions. He’s led Washington to a 4-12 record but at one point led the NFL in passing yards.
The pass protection up front has not been very good for Howell, as evidenced by his NFL-high 61 sacks taken this season. Only one other quarterback, Bryce Young, has been sacked more than 46 times.
The Commanders host the Cowboys on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.