Commanders to start Sam Howell at QB, Jake Fromm to backup with Jacoby Brissett inactive

Washington head coach Ron Rivera is spinning the Commanders’ quarterback carousel once again, swapping starters while naming a new QB2.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, 2022 draft pick Sam Howell will be re-elevated as the starter after he was benched last week, while former Georgia QB Jake Fromm is set to back him up. Jacoby Brissett is slated as the emergency No. 3 guy despite leading the team in passing last week in the Jets loss, where he completed 10-13 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown to lead a near-comeback win after Washington fell down 20-0 in the second quarter.

Here was that report, which Schefter tweeted out Sunday morning:

“Commanders’ QB Jacoby Brissett will be inactive and the emergency 3rd quarterback today vs. the 49ers. Commanders QB Sam Howell will start, Jake Fromm will back him up.”

Sam Howell started vs. NYJ but threw two picks and completed just six passes in his first 22 attempts. Rivera wisely prevented a 23rd and benched him for Brissett, who immediately sparked a big run and made a two-point loss out of a three-possession first half deficit. But now, per Schefter, Howell is getting another shot as the starter against the NFC’s best.

According to ESPN staff writer John Keim, Brissett was named the starter over Howell earlier this week following last weekend’s heroics vs. New York. However, as the week progressed, a hamstring issue began bothering Brissett.

“He reported tightness in his hamstring after meetings Thursday and received treatment that night and again Friday,” wrote Keim. He noted that if the hamstring prevented Brissett from playing, Howell would be the guy, which Schefter also reported. However, there is a slim chance Brissett takes the field if Fromm and Howell were to suffer injuries, since he’s technically active as the emergency backup option.

Jake Fromm will instead enjoy the QB2 role, and he may very well have a shot at taking some snaps. If Howell’s first half vs. the vaunted San Fran defense is anything like his performance vs. the Jets, Rivera is certainly liable to give him the hook again and try Fromm, who was just signed to the active roster from the practice squad. He’s only played in three total NFL games which all occurred with the Giants back in 2021.

Perhaps he’ll get to see action in game No. 4 this afternoon as Sam Howell will likely be looking over his shoulder if he can’t get anything going early.