Howell back in starting lineup with Brissett injured
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell will start Sunday despite being benched as Jacoby Brissett is inactive against the San Francisco 49ers, the team announced.
The Commanders added Brissett to the injury report Friday due to a hamstring injury. He'll be the team's emergency third quarterback, while Jake Fromm will serve as Howell's backup.
Brissett has backed Howell up all season, but his entry into games sparked the offense in Weeks 15 and 16. He helped Washington mount valiant comeback attempts against the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets, respectively.
Washington named Brissett its Week 17 starter Wednesday, moving Howell - a second-year player and first-year starter - to a reserve role. Howell leads the NFL with 17 interceptions and 60 sacks taken, and his production has waned in recent weeks.
The Commanders are on a six-game losing streak and are tied with the New England Patriots for the third-worst record in the league.