Commanders make quarterback change for Week 17
Sep 26, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera walks on the field prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Commanders are making a quarterback change for Week 17.
Jacoby Brissett will get the start at quarterback for Washington in their Sunday game against the San Francisco 49ers. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said he thought it was a good time for quarterback Sam Howell to get a break.
Ron Rivera makes it official, Commanders will start Jacoby Brissett at QB vs 49ers. “It’s a good time for Sam to get a break.” pic.twitter.com/dVLNSD8ioK
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 27, 2023
“This is about Sam’s continued development,” Rivera said. “Things haven’t gone as well as we would have liked the last few weeks. It’s an opportunity for him to watch. With Jacoby being the professional he is and playing the way he has will really give Sam an opportunity to see some things and see how the offense goes. It will help him.”
Washington had benched Howell in two straight games. In both those games, Brissett came in and led the offense on several touchdown drives to make the games closer, though Washington still lost both contests. Those are the only two games Brissett has played all season. Sunday will mark his first start of the year.
Brissett has gone 18/23 for 224 yards and 3 touchdowns this season.
Washington has lost six in a row and is now 4-11. Howell, a 5th-round pick in 2022, has passed for 3,624 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions this season.
