Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera named rookie Sam Howell starting QB after practice today. There was a report this morning that veteran Taylor Heinicke would start, with Howell getting playing time in relief. This was met with immediate criticism, and Rivera said he talked to several people before making the decision to start the 5th-round rookie and let him get his first regular season snaps in the NFL.
Howell is excited about the opportunity to start and play his first real game in the league. He learned a lot from being the third QB early in the season and then dressing up on game days as Taylor Heinicke’s backup. Howell is looking to win his first game, and every game he plays in the NFL, is excited about his first opportunity against the Cowboys this weekend.
He made first-team replays in practice today for the first time, which let the world know that Rivera had a change of heart after the public didn’t like the leak about Howell getting cleanup duty in a meaningless game. Today was the first time the rookie QB had the opportunity to throw the ball to WR starters Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. He said he had the opportunity to work with last year’s first-round pick Jahan Dotson during rookie mini-camp, but it was great working with Washington’s other two starting wide receivers.
Sam Howell
Looking forward to playing this season:
Sam Howell said he is excited to play this weekend and feels he has learned a lot this season.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) January 4, 2023
Successful start:
Sam Howell will live out a childhood dream on Sunday.
He will make his first NFL start.
Howell said, “I’m going to try to win a game”
More tonight in @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/p0HPbIbpCT
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023
Sam Howell on what will make a successful debut: “Winning. … This is the biggest game of my life. … I take no game for granted.”
— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) January 4, 2023
Working with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel:
You’ll be surprised to hear this, but Sam Howell said he’s excited to get started. The goal: Win.
Added today was basically the first time he played for McLaurin and Samuel.
—Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 4, 2023
Developing as a third-tier rookie:
Howell said he appreciated how much he loved football by taking a backseat to Taylor and Carson. I thought halfway through the year your development has come a long way
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) January 4, 2023
Practice repetitions:
Commanders fans wanted Sam Howell.
They’re getting Sam Howell.
The rookie quarterback will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Cowboys.
I asked Howell what he believes will be his biggest challenge in the game.
More tonight in @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/uH9LipyDFm
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 5, 2023
taylor heinicke
Potential last game with Washington:
Taylor Heinicke may never play in a Washington uniform again.
He is a free agent and will not start Sunday’s season finale against Dallas.
Taylor said: “If it’s the last game, it’s going to be a little emotional. I leave with great memories.”
More tonight in @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/y7IjDWSbGW
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023
Sam Howell starting:
Taylor Heinicke is a professional.
I asked Taylor about Rivera’s decision to start Sam Howell on Sunday against the Cowboys.
Taylor said, “obviously I want to be out there with the guys, but I also understand that it’s kind of a business. We want to see what Sam has.” pic.twitter.com/8CgWTzQ4PS
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 5, 2023
Terry McLaurin
Damar Hamlin:
Terry McLaurin on Damar Hamlin: “You never want to see a situation like this happen. … As athletes we know the risk we take when we put on the helmet, you never think it will come to that.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) January 4, 2023
Missing the playoffs:
A very mature and upset captains locker room today.
The season ends after Sunday.@TheTerry_25 said, “It’s just disappointing. We had a few weeks to control our own destiny and we didn’t do it.”
Ashburn reports live tonight on @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/q7tvKeGbWk
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023
Sam Howell starting:
thanks to my @comandantes media brothers for this statistic.
With Sam Howell starting on Sunday, @TheTerry_25 will be playing his 10th different quarterback here in Washington.
McLaurin has only been in the league for 4 years.
This is the madness of the land of bananas. Wow. pic.twitter.com/qmXGSeLPtu
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023
Kendall Fuller:
Damar Hamlin:
Playing against the Cowboys after being knocked out of the playoffs:
This might be my favorite quote from the day in the Commander’s locker room.
Players are obviously disappointed not to make the playoffs.
Kendall Fuller said, “Dallas doesn’t care, my only focus is preparation and getting out there and playing ball.” pic.twitter.com/XIDk3qlhKa
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023