Commanders' Sam Howell: Will retain starting role in finale

Head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Howell will start Sunday's season finale against the Cowboys, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Howell was expected to be benched Week 17 but was pressed into action when Jacoby Brissett suffered a hamstring injury in last Thursday's practice that ultimately resulted in him being inactive for the Commanders' game against San Francisco. The second-year quarterback continued to direct the Washington offense in Brissett's stead, but his struggles continued in the 27-10 loss to the 49ers. Though Howell has a putrid 3:10 TD:INT over his last six starts, Washington will have him finish out the season in a starting role, even if Brissett gains clearance to play against Dallas. Given his poor finish to the season, Howell will likely face competition for the starting role in 2024, but he'll get one more opportunity to help his case Sunday with a strong showing against a motivated Cowboys team that would clinch the NFC East title with a win.