Commanders benching Howell for Brissett
The Washington Commanders are sending Sam Howell to the bench in place of veteran Jacoby Brissett, head coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Brissett replaced Howell in last Sunday's loss to the New York Jets after the latter significantly struggled. Howell completed only six of his 22 pass attempts for 56 yards with zero touchdowns and two interceptions.
Brissett sparked a Commanders comeback after being inserted against the Jets. Washington scored 21 unanswered points to take a 28-27 lead, though New York still walked away with a win after kicking a go-ahead field goal in the final seconds.
Howell said he will use these final two weeks to better himself.
"It is what it is," Howell said of his benching, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. "I think at the end of the day, I just got to play better. Will still try to do whatever I can to continue to get better these last two weeks and try to learn as much as I can and watch Jacoby play and support him and try to be a good teammate."
Howell was benched in back-to-back weeks after he was removed in a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Rams as well.
The 2022 fifth-round pick has compiled a 5-11 record as a starter with 20 touchdowns to 18 interceptions over his career. His 2023 campaign has been shaky, as he leads the league in picks (17) and sacks taken (60).
The Commanders sit in the basement of the NFC East with a 4-11 mark.