The Washington Commanders will turn to Sam Howell to start Sunday’s game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers with fellow quarterback Jacoby Brissett ruled inactive due to a hamstring injury.
The Commanders called up Jake Fromm from the practice squad on Saturday to back up Howell. Brissett is listed on the official injury report as the emergency third quarterback.
Howell, 23, initially was benched in favor of Brissett earlier in the week after the latter replaced the former in each of the previous two games for the Commanders (4-11).
Including the 2022 season finale, Howell has started 16 consecutive games for the Commanders. The 2022 fifth-round pick ranks 11th in the NFL this season in passing yards (3,624) but has offset his 19 touchdown passes with a league-high 17 interceptions — including four pick-sixes. He has also been sacked a league-high 60 times.
Brissett, who started 11 games last season for Cleveland, has completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three games this season.
The 31-year-old compiled an 18-30 record as a starter for the Browns (2022), Miami Dolphins (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2017-20) and New England Patriots (2016). He has thrown for 10,574 yards with 51 TDs and 23 interceptions.
Other inactives for the Commanders are cornerbacks Benjamin St-Juste and Kendall Fuller, defensive end Jalen Harris, offensive lineman Andrew Wylie, tight end Cole Turner and wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley.
For the 49ers, tight end Ross Dwelley, quarterback Brandon Allen, offensive lineman Jaylon Moore, defensive lineman Arik Armstead, safety Ji’Ayir Brown, wide receiver Jauan Jennings and linebacker Jalen Graham are inactive.
–Field Level Media