When did Commanders view QB Sam Howell as potential starter?

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed when the Washington Commanders first believed 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell could be the team's starting quarterback:

They’re very solidly behind Sam Howell as starter, and the path to getting there went all the way back to camp last year—with top exec Marty Hurney among those early to tell others the team felt like it struck gold in the fifth round. I’m usually skeptical in these situations. But Washington’s rolling with Howell.

As far back as last May, then-Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner vowed that Howell would "get opportunities" while working behind Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke on the depth chart. Howell's lone regular-season opportunity came in Week 18 when he completed 11-of-19 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a 26-6 victory over the division-rival Dallas Cowboys.

Despite a lack of meaningful in-game reps, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera insists he is "very comfortable" with Howell as his QB1 and journeyman Jacoby Brissett as the backup. Meanwhile, an unnamed AFC general manager compared Howell to polarizing QB prospect Will Levis from Kentucky. 

"I think Levis is better than people give him credit for—his film from ’21 when he had better linemen, better receivers, was much better," the executive told Breer. "Sam Howell was the same way, he was no worse than a high second coming out of [the 2020 season], and then he winds up in the fifth round because he lost so much around him." 

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco argued this week that Levis should be the top-ranked quarterback in this draft class over Bryce Young of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Having Howell on an inexpensive rookie contract as the team's starter gives Washington flexibility as it pertains to roster building, especially after the franchise declined the fifth-year option for defensive end Chase Young.