Sam Howell might find himself back in the spotlight against the San Francisco 49ers. The Washington Commanders decided to bench the second-year quarterback during their recent game against the New York Jets after he threw two interceptions. Jacoby Brissett stepped in with Washington trailing 27-7.
Brissett completed 10 of his 13 pass attempts for 100 yards and a touchdown, nearly orchestrating a comeback. The Commanders ultimately fell short despite Brissett leading three scoring drives, losing the game 30-28.
On Wednesday, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced that Brissett would start this weekend against the 49ers. However, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Washington has added Brissett to its injury report due to a hamstring injury, labeling the veteran quarterback as "questionable" for Sunday's game.
"That opens the door to Sam Howell potentially stepping in... and starting again," wrote Rapoport.
#Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett is now questionable with a hamstring injury that he suffered in today's practice. He was just added. That opens the door to Sam Howell potentially stepping in... and starting again.
Something to monitor prior to Sunday against the #49ers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2023
The 4-11 Commanders will host a 49ers squad boasting an 11-4 record. While San Francisco has already secured a playoff berth and clinched their division, the team is determined to secure the top seed in the NFC, ensuring a first-round bye in the postseason and home-field advantage.
The 49ers aren't taking the Commanders lightly. Head coach Kyle Shanahan recognizes that a team perceived as having nothing to lose can be among the most dangerous opponents.
"First of all, everyone always has things to lose because usually when people say there's nothing to lose, there's a lot of guys playing for their jobs too, and those guys know that," Shanahan explained this week. "Even veterans who don't think that they are, they usually find out at the end of the season that they were. So you've always got guys who are playing hard."