Commanders make quarterback change for Week 17

“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-of-23 for 224 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Washington has lost six in a row and is now 4-11. Howell, a fifth-round pick in 2022, has passed for 3,624 yards with 19 touchdowns and 17 interceptions this season.