Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera told reporters Wednesday that the team will start rookie quarterback Sam Howell in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys. Rivera spoke with coaches and team leaders before making the decision, saying he is “intrigued” to see how Howell will perform against the Cowboys. The Commanders selected Howell in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Howell completed 43 of 69 passes for 547 yards, one score and an interception in three preseason games; he has yet to throw a pass in the regular season.
Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz started for the Commanders through the first six weeks of the season, and Taylor Heinicke then took over as the starter in Week 7 through Week 17. Wentz took the job back in Week 17 and completed 16 of 28 passes for 143 yards and threw three interceptions in a loss to the Cleveland Browns. Rivera said Heinicke will serve as the No. 2 quarterback in Week 18, behind Howell. Wentz is expected to be inactive in Week 18.
The Cowboys can still secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC and home-field advantage in the playoffs and an NFC East title, while the Commanders were eliminated last week from playoff contention. The Commanders (7-8-1) will host the Cowboys (12-4) at 4:25 p.m. EST Sunday at FedExField in Landover, Md.
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