The Washington Commanders are reportedly starting Sam Howell at quarterback on Sunday when they face the San Francisco 49ers, according to Aaron Wilson. Wilson covers the NFL for the Houston Chronicle. Wilson posted that the "Commanders are expected to start quarterback Sam Howell on Sunday against 49ers due to quarterback Jacoby Brissett being sidelined with hamstring injury aggravated, per a league source."
#Commanders are expected to start quarterback Sam Howell on Sunday against #49ers due to quarterback Jacoby Brissett being sidelined with hamstring injury aggravated, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 30, 2023
Who the 49ers would be facing was a bit up in the air after Brissett had been named the starter, and then missed practice due to the injury. But now it sounds as if Brissett will be unable to go, leaving the Commanders no other option except to go back to Howell. Howell has started all 15 games for Washington this season.
Howell has thrown 19 touchdowns this season, compared to 17 interceptions. And for a quarterback prone to turning it over, the last team you want to play is the team that currently leads the NFL in interceptions. Howell will have to play his best game of the season to upset the 49ers, who are coming off a loss on Monday night and will be looking to get back on track.
The Commanders will be without several key players, making an already difficult task all the more tough. Washington is 4-11 on the season and will finish with one of the worst records in the NFL. The 49ers, 11-4, are currently leading in the race for the NFC's top seed.