Washington Commanders Head Coach Ron Rivera named rookie Sam Howell the starting QB after practice today. There was a report this morning that veteran Taylor Heinicke would get the start, with Howell getting playing time in relief. That was met with immediate criticism, and Rivera said he spoke with several people before coming to the decision to starting the 5th round rookie, and let him get his first regular season snaps in the NFL.
Howell is excited for the opportunity to start and play in his first real game in the league. He has learned a lot from being the 3rd string QB to start the season, and then dressing on game days as the backup to Taylor Heinicke.