Sam Howell Presser: I’ve worked my whole life to get to where I am right now; I’m going to go try to win a game Washington Commanders starting QB

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera named rookie Sam Howell the starting QB after practice today. There was a report this morning that veteran Taylor Heinicke would start, with Howell getting playing time in relief. That was met with immediate criticism, and Rivera said he talked to several people before making the decision to start the 5th-round rookie, and let him take his first NFL regular-season snaps.

Howell is excited about the opportunity to start and play in his first real league game. He’s learned a lot from being the No. 3 QB to start the season, and then dressing in on game days as Taylor Heinicke’s backup. Howell wants to win his first game, and every game, he plays in the NFL, and is excited for his first opportunity against the Cowboys this weekend.

He took first-team reps in practice today for the first time, letting the world know that Rivera had a change of heart after the public wasn’t happy with leaks about Howell taking over in a meaningless game. . Today was the first time the rookie QB got the chance to throw the ball to rookies Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. He said he had the opportunity to work with last year’s first-round pick Jahan Dotson during rookie minicamp, but it was great to work with Washington’s other two rookie receivers.

Sam Howell Excited to play this season:

Sam Howell said he is excited to play this weekend and feels like he has learned so much this season

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) January 4, 2023 Successful start:

Sam Howell will live a childhood dream on Sunday.

He will make his first NFL start.

Howell said, “I’m going to go try to win a game.”

More tonight on @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/p0HPbIbpCT

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023

Sam Howell on what will make a successful first start: “Winning. … This is the biggest game of my life. … I don’t take any game for granted.”

— Ethan Cadeaux (@Ethan_Cadeaux) January 4, 2023 Working with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel:

You’ll be surprised to hear this, but Sam Howell said he’s excited to get started. Goal: Victory.

Added today was basically the first time he jumped on McLaurin and Samuel.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) January 4, 2023 Developing as a 3rd string beginner:

Howell said he appreciated how much he loved football by taking a backseat to Taylor and Carson. In the middle of the year he thought that his development has come a long way

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) January 4, 2023 Practice reps:

Commanders fans loved Sam Howell.

They’re getting Sam Howell.

The rookie quarterback will make his first NFL start Sunday against the Cowboys.

I asked Howell what he believes will be his biggest challenge in the game.

More tonight on @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/uH9LipyDFm

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 5, 2023 Taylor Heinicke Potential last game with Washington:

Taylor Heinicke may never play in a Washington uniform again.

He is a free agent and will not play in Sunday’s season finale against Dallas.

Taylor said, “if it’s the last game, it’s going to be a little emotional. It made some great memories.”

More tonight on @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/y7IjDWSbGW

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023 Sam Howell starting:

Taylor Heinicke is a pro.

I asked Taylor about Rivera’s decision to play Sam Howell on Sunday against the Cowboys.

Taylor said: “Obviously I want to be there with the boys, but I also understand it’s kind of a business deal. We want to see what Sam’s got.” pic.twitter.com/8CgWTzQ4PS

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 5, 2023 Terry McLaurin Damar Hamlin:

Terry McLaurin on Damar Hamlin: “You never want to see a situation like that happen. … As athletes, we know the risk we take when we put the helmet on, you just don’t think it’s going to come to this.”

— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) January 4, 2023 Missing the playoffs:

A very bland and bored Commanders dressing room today.

The season is over after Sunday. @TheTerry_25 said, “It’s just disappointing. We had enough weeks to control our destiny and we didn’t.”

Live reports from Ashburn tonight on @7NewsDC pic.twitter.com/q7tvKeGbWk

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023 Sam Howell starting:

Thanks to my media brothers @Commanders for this statistic.

With Sam Howell starting Sunday, @TheTerry_25 will be playing his 10th different quarterback here in Washington.

McLaurin has only been in the league for 4 years.

This is crazy banana land. Wow. pic.twitter.com/qmXGSeLPtu

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023 Kendall Fuller: Damar Hamlin: Playing the Cowboys after being eliminated from the playoffs:

This might be my favorite quote of the day from the Commanders locker room.

The players are clearly disappointed not to be making the playoffs.

Kendall Fuller said, “Dallas doesn’t care, my only focus is getting ready and going out there and playing ball.” pic.twitter.com/XIDk3qlhKa

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 4, 2023 Khaleke Hudson Damar Hamlin: