Howell has the 10th-longest time to pressure this season (2.71 sec), but the 4th-highest sack rate (9.0%)

Has recorded negative EPA in six straight games, throwing a league-high 10 interceptions over that span

Headed for Seattle

The Commanders are sending Howell, a fourth-round draft pick and a sixth-rounder to the Seahawks in exchange for third and fifth-round draft choices, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: With Howell no longer in the mix, Washington figures to use the No. 2 overall pick in April's NFL Draft on a new franchise QB. Meanwhile, Howell, who started all 17 of the Commanders' regular-season games in 2023, fills the void created by Drew Lock's departure in free agency and gives the Seahawks an alternative to incumbent No. 1 signal-caller Geno Smith.

Could be traded soon

The Commanders' recent contract agreement with Marcus Mariota suggests Howell may be on the trade block, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports.

Analysis: The other interpretation, which seems less likely, is that the Commanders will let Howell compete with Mariota for the starting job rather than drafting a quarterback early this April. The team owns the No. 2 overall pick, with most reports to date suggesting Washington will select either UNC's Drake Maye or LSU's Jayden Daniels. There was a point in 2023 when it looked like the Commanders might have found their franchise QB in Howell, but he then had a 4:12 TD:INT over the final seven games of…read more

Picked off twice in finale

Howell completed 19 of 27 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions in Sunday's 38-10 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: It was a fittingly rough end to a poor season for Washington, and Howell wraps up his first -- and possibly last -- season as the team's starting quarterback with a 21:21 TD:INT over 17 games, with the interceptions being the most in the NFL. The 2022 fifth-round selection is expected to get serious competition for the starting job in the offseason, likely from whoever the Commanders select with the second overall pick in the 2024 Draft, and Howell is likely to head into Week 1 of next year in…read more

Will retain starting role in finale

Head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Howell will start Sunday's season finale against the Cowboys, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Howell was expected to be benched Week 17 but was pressed into action when Jacoby Brissett suffered a hamstring injury in last Thursday's practice that ultimately resulted in him being inactive for the Commanders' game against San Francisco. The second-year quarterback continued to direct the Washington offense in Brissett's stead, but his struggles continued in the 27-10 loss to the 49ers. Though Howell has a putrid 3:10 TD:INT over his last six starts, Washington will have him finish out the…read more

Struggles in blowout loss

Howell completed 17 of 28 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: After the Commanders announced that Howell would be benched early in the week, he was forced into the starting role with Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) sidelined. He struggled in a tough matchup, averaging only 6.0 yards per attempt while turning the ball over twice. Howell did have positive moments, as he completed three passes of at least 20 yards and also connected with Terry McLaurin for a three-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. It's unclear whether Howell will get the chance to start…read more

In line to start Sunday

Howell is slated to start Sunday's game against the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Per Rapoport, Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) is in line to be deemed inactive as the team's third QB following a pre-game workout Sunday. Howell, who was originally on track to give way to Brissett in Week 17, is thus slated to get the start and now represents a fantasy lineup option for those in need of signal-caller help this week.

Still in mix to start Week 17

Howell would start Sunday's game against the 49ers if Jacoby Brissett (hamstring) -- who is listed as questionable -- doesn't play, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Brissett was added to the injury report Friday due to hamstring tightness. Howell started Washington's first 15 games of the season but was set to move to a backup role after being benched mid-game in both of his last two outings. If Brissett is unable to play this weekend, Howell will make his 16th start of the season, though the second-year signal-caller is unlikely to bounce back against the tough 49ers defense after posting a 2:8 TD:INT over his last five starts.

Demoted to backup role

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Howell won't start Sunday's game against the 49ers, with Jacoby Brissett set to lead Washington's offense moving forward, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Howell has started each of Washington's first 15 games, but he's unraveled over the last three outings. In losses to the Dolphins, Rams and Jets, Howell has been pulled early in favor of Brissett on two occasions and completed just 29 of 71 attempts (40.8 percent) for 285 yards (4.0 YPA) while throwing for one touchdown against four interceptions and taking five sacks. Brissett, meanwhile, nearly led the Commanders to a come-from-behind win after entering in the third quarter of this past…read more

Benched again in Week 16

Howell completed six of 22 passes for 56 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Jacoby Brissett in the third quarter of Sunday's 30-28 loss to the Jets.

Analysis: The quarterback's poor play helped put the Commanders in a 27-7 hole at halftime, and after Howell tossed his second INT of the day, coach Ron Rivera benched him for the second straight week. With Brissett having played well both times he's come on in relief, and Howell having been picked off in five straight games with a 2:8 TD:INT during that stretch, Rivera has a full-blown QB controversy on his hands heading into a Week 17 clash with the 49ers.

Will remain starter

Howell completed 11 of 26 passes for 102 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 28-20 loss to the Rams. He also rushed the ball three times for 22 yards.

Analysis: Howell turned in his second straight horrific game as a passer, as he was limited to only 3.9 yards per attempt and displayed poor accuracy. One of the few bright spots of the performance came midway through the third quarter on a 19-yard touchdown pass to the back corner of the end zone to Curtis Samuel. Howell was ultimately benched early in the fourth quarter in favor of Jacoby Brissett, though coach Ron Rivera stated after the game that he was protecting his quarterback and that Howell…read more

Salvages day with rushing TDs

Howell completed 12 of 23 passes for 127 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in the Commanders' 45-15 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday. He also rushed four times for 21 yards and two scores.

Analysis: The much-anticipated aerial duel between Howell and Tua Tagovailoa turned out highly one-sided in favor of Miami's star quarterback, with Howell finishing with his lowest passing yardage of the campaign. Howell also failed to complete 50.0 percent of his passes for the first time, while his one- and 13-yard touchdown runs pushed his season total to four, with all of those touchdowns coming in the last three games. Howell and the Commanders air attack will have a more palatable matchup in front…read more

Tosses 300 yards in loss

Howell completed 28 of 44 passes for 300 yards and an interception while adding 13 rushing yards and a touchdown on two carries in Thursday's 45-10 loss to the Cowboys.

Analysis: The second-year quarterback played relatively mistake-free ball until a desperation drive late in the fourth quarter ended on a pick-six by DaRon Bland. It's the fourth time in the last five games Howell has thrown for at least 300 yards, but that yardage has come on sky-high volume -- he's attempted more than 40 passes in six straight contests and eight of the last nine as the Commanders' offense tries to compensate for its porous defense. That formula doesn't figure to change much in Week 13…read more

Three picks against Giants

Howell completed 31 of 45 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in Sunday's 31-19 loss to the Giants. He added three rushes for 35 yards and an additional touchdown.

Analysis: Howell continued to take to the air at a prolific rate, as he's now topped 40 pass attempts in five consecutive games. Unlike the last three contests, however, production didn't follow. Instead, Howell averaged only 5.7 yards per attempt and threw multiple picks for the first time since Week 3 -- the final of which was returned for a touchdown to put the game out of reach for the Commanders. Positively, Howell reached the end zone on the ground on a tough seven-yard run, during which he bounced…read more

Another 300-yard game in defeat

Howell completed 29 of 44 pass attempts for 312 yards and three touchdowns (no turnovers) while adding 17 rushing yards on two attempts in Sunday's 29-26 loss to the Seahawks.

Analysis: Howell's midseason surge continued with his third consecutive 300-yard passing performance and fourth overall through 10 starts this year. The sophomore starer has generated eight touchdowns to two turnovers over his voluminous three-game stretch, effectively cooling off his seat following an inconsistent start to the campaign. Howell will ride his personal hot streak into a favorable matchup against the Giants next Sunday.

Tops 300 yards in win

Howell completed 29 of 45 passes for 325 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 20-17 win over New England. He added five rushing attempts for 27 yards.

Analysis: Howell threw for 176 yards in the first half but had an ugly interception in the end zone on 1st-and-goal in the final seconds before halftime, leading to a 14-10 halftime deficit. He threw a 33-yard touchdown to Jahan Dotson to tie the score at 17 apiece in the third quarter. Howell moved the offense effectively and averaged 7.2 yards per pass while Patriots quarterback Mac Jones had just 220 yards on 44 pass attempts (5.0 Y/A). After throwing for 300-plus yards only once in his first eight…read more

Standout numbers in defeat

Howell completed 39 of 52 passes for 397 yards with four touchdowns and one interception in the Commanders' 38-31 loss to the Eagles on Sunday. He also rushed three times for 11 yards and committed a fumble that was recovered by Washington.

Analysis: Howell enjoyed a career-best day in defeat, with both his yardage and touchdown totals serving as new single-game highs for the second-year signal-caller. Howell impressively spread the ball around to nine different targets, connecting with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Logan Thomas and Jamison Crowder for touchdown tosses of 26, 21, seven and 26 yards, respectively. However, Howell was unable to keep up with Jalen Hurts and his air attack in the fourth quarter, when Philadelphia outscored…read more

Remains Washington's starter

Coach Ron Rivera said Monday he is committed to Howell as the Commanders' starter but left the door open for a change at some point in 2023, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: After starting the season 2-0 with wins over the Cardinals and Broncos, the Commanders have dropped four of their last five, and Howell is on pace to absorb a record-breaking 97 sacks. The current record is 76 taken by David Carr in his 2002 rookie season with the Texans. Howell is simply holding onto the ball too long and led the Commanders to just seven points in Sunday's seven-point loss to the Giants and backup QB Tyrod Taylor. If the losses keep piling up and Howell doesn't show…read more

Under constant pressure in loss

Howell completed 22 of 42 passes for 249 yards with an interception in Sunday's 14-7 loss to the Giants.

Analysis: He also picked up 15 rushing yards on two carries. The second-year QB took another beating in the pocket, getting sacked six times, and while Howell had a little more success in the second half, he still failed to throw a TD for the second time in seven starts this season. Howell's been sacked 40 times already in 2023, putting him on pace to set a new NFL record, and the Commanders will need to solve their protection issues soon if the team doesn't want to stunt the young quarterback's…read more

Three touchdown passes in win

Howell completed 14 of 23 passes for 151 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 24-16 win over the Falcons. He also rushed four times for three yards.

Analysis: Howell's passing yardage total certainly wasn't anything to write home about, but he more than made up for it with his trio of scoring tosses. Two of those went to running backs, as Howell connected with Antonio Gibson (one yard) and Brian Robinson (24 yards) in the second and third quarters, respectively, sandwiching those touchdown throws around a seven-yard strike to Curtis Samuel. Howell now has a 5:1 TD:INT over his last two games and draws a favorable matchup against the Giants on the…read more

Strong numbers in Week 5 loss

Howell completed 37 of 51 passes for 388 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the Commanders' 40-20 loss to the Bears on Thursday night. He also rushed four times for 19 yards and recorded a two-point conversion run.

Analysis: Howell's career-best passing yardage total was largely the byproduct of game script, considering the Commanders were down 27-3 by halftime. Naturally, it was still a welcome sight to fantasy managers, and with his two- and three-yard scoring tosses to Logan Thomas and Curtis Samuel, respectively, Howell generated the second multi-touchdown day of his nascent career. The 2022 fifth-round pick also took five sacks, however, as the Bears' ability to jump out to a 24-point halftime lead led to…read more

Impresses in OT loss to Philly

Howell completed 29 of 41 passes for 290 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 34-31 overtime loss to the Eagles. He added 40 rushing yards on six carries.

Analysis: After a brutal four-INT performance the week before against the Bills, Howell was much sharper in Week 4 and led two fourth-quarter touchdown drives to tie the game twice, ending the second one with a 10-yard TD strike to Jahan Dotson as time expired. Howell will take plenty of confidence into a Week 5 home tilt against a Bears defense that just blew a 21-7 halftime lead against the Broncos.

Mistake-filled effort in loss

Howell completed 19 of 29 passes for 170 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions in the Commanders' 37-3 loss to the Bills on Sunday. He also rushed once for 18 yards.

Analysis: The second-year signal-caller came into the day having helped the Commanders to a 2-0 record and with just one interception on his 2023 ledger, but both his and the team's fortunes took a drastic turn Sunday. Buffalo's relentless defense took Howell down a whopping nine times while holding him to 5.9 yards per attempt, and two of his four picks led to a combined 10 points for the Bills. Howell's yardage total was also a season low, but he'll have to quickly recover from Sunday's physical and…read more

Leads comeback victory

Howell completed 27 of 39 pass attempts for 299 yards and two touchdowns while adding 13 rushing yards on two attempts in Sunday's 35-33 win over Denver.

Analysis: Howell and the Commanders were down 21-3 early in this contest, but the quarterback stayed poised and helped lead his team to victory. The 2022 fifth-round pick has thrown for 501 yards with four combined touchdowns and one interception while going undefeated in his first two starts with Washington this season. Howell will look to continue his early success against the Bills next Sunday.

Accounts for two scores Sunday

Howell completed 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Sunday's 20-16 win over the Cardinals. He added 11 rushing yards and a TD on two carries.

Analysis: The second-year quarterback got sacked six times and lost a fumble that resulted in an Arizona touchdown, and a late hit from linebacker Kyzir White briefly knocked Howell out of the game in the first quarter, but he wound up getting his revenge early in the fourth when he put the Commanders ahead for good with a six-yard TD scramble. It wasn't the most auspicious start to the season for the Washington offense under new coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and Howell will face a potentially tough test in…read more

Not playing Saturday

Howell and most other starters will be held out of Saturday's preseason finale against the Bengals, Matthew Paras of The Washington Times reports.

Analysis: The long list of players sitting out includes RBs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson and WRs Terry McLaurin (toe), Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. With the Commanders using their final preseason game to focus on back-end roster spots, Howell & Co. can soon turn their focus to a Week 1 home game against the Cardinals. McLaurin's availability is one of the big questions for that game.

Throws for 188 and two TDs

Howell completed 19 of 25 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns in Monday's preseason game against Baltimore, adding three carries for 17 yards.

Analysis: Three days after being named the Week 1 starter, Howell led the Washington first unit to 17 points on four drives while playing the entire first half against Baltimore's second/third-string defenders. He played well even considering the soft competition, though he also showed some of the bad in his scouting report when he took a 13-yard sack on a second-and-2 after needlessly bailing from a relatively clean pocket. Howell bounced back with a 16-yard dart to TE Cole Turner on the next snap,…read more

May get one half of work Monday

Coach Ron Rivera told Lisa Salters of ESPN before Monday's preseason game against the Ravens that Howell will "probably see a good half" of action, Ben Standig of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Just three days removed from Rivera announcing Howell as the Commanders' starting quarterback for the 2023 season, he'll get a decent amount of run in the team's second exhibition. This follows the 2022 fifth-round pick working three series in the preseason opener against Cleveland, when he completed nine of 12 passes for 77 yards and one touchdown. It's unclear if stalwarts like WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson and RBs Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson will stay on the field as long as…read more

Confirmed as starter

Coach Ron Rivera announced Friday that Howell has been named the Commanders' starting quarterback, Zach Selby of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Howell will thus draw the nod in the Commanders' regular-season opener against the Cardinals, with veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett set to work as his top backup. In addition to confirming Howell as the team's Week 1 starter, Rivera also relayed that the 2022 fifth-rounder will play in Monday night's preseason contest against the Ravens, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Sharp in preseason opener

Howell completed nine of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown in Friday's preseason win over the Browns. He also gained eight yards on his only carry.

Analysis: The Commanders' first two possessions ended in a punt and a safety due to a holding penalty in the end zone, but Howell got the offense rolling on his third and final drive, capping it off with a 26-yard TD strike to Jahan Dotson. The second-year quarterback remains on track to take over the starting role this season, and Howell holds some deep-league fantasy appeal given his solid receiving corps and the possibility that new coordinator Eric Bieniemy can recreate even a fraction of the success…read more

Will start preseason opener

Howell will start the Commanders' preseason opener Friday versus the Browns, JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports.

Analysis: Howell gets the start over Jacoby Brissett, but it's unclear how long either quarterback will play. A 2022 second-round pick, Howell is on track to open 2023 as a full-time starter, but he could still benefit from getting extended snaps in a competitive setting. In his lone start as a rookie, the North Carolina product completed 11 of 19 pass attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 35 yards and a score on the ground during a Week 18 win over Dallas.

Operating as top QB

Howell has taken all the first-team reps this offseason, Matthew Paras of The Washington Times reports.

Analysis: While Howell has the early lead to begin 2023 as a starter, coach Ron Rivera is still publicly calling it an open competition between the second-year quarterback and veteran Jacoby Brissett. Howell had a strong preseason as a rookie but posted mixed results in his lone regular-season start against the Cowboys in Week 18. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 169 yards, a touchdown and an interception while rushing five times for 35 yards and an additional score. If he can hold onto the…read more

May have to compete with Brissett

Howell is expected to enter the offseason program as Washington's top quarterback but could face competition from free-agent signing Jacoby Brissett, Zach Selby of the Commanders' official website reports.

Analysis: Brissett is a solid backup, but it's good news for Howell if this is the only significant competition brought in during the offseason. The Commanders could still draft a quarterback, of course, but they seem to be high on their 2022 fifth-round pick after his strong showing last preseason and solid outing Week 18 against the Cowboys. While not exactly fleet of foot, the densely built Howell (6-1, 220) ran for 828 yards and 11 TDs his final season at UNC, then had 94 rushing yards last preseason…read more

In lead to be starter in 2023

Washington head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Howell will be the "quarterback to beat" during the offseason program, John Keim of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: A 2022 fifth-round pick, Howell was a healthy scratch for the majority of his rookie season, but he served as Washington's starting signal-caller Week 18 against the Cowboys, completing 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception while taking five carries for 35 yards and another score in a 26-6 win. Considering Rivera's comments, the Commanders don't seem poised to make a big offseason splash at quarterback this offseason after bringing on Carson Wentz last March. While…read more

Collects win in first career start

Howell completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown with an interception in Sunday's 26-6 win over the Cowboys. He added 35 rushing yards and a TD on five carries.

Analysis: The rookie quarterback tossed a bad red-zone pick early in the second quarter when the outcome of the game was still in doubt, but otherwise Howell was solid in his first career NFL start, hitting Terry McLaurin for his first passing TD in the first quarter and then running one in from nine yards out in the third. Carson Wentz has no more guaranteed money remaining on his current contract and is a candidate to be released, and Taylor Heinicke is a free agent in the offseason, so Howell could…read more

Named as Week 18 starter

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday that Howell will start Sunday's game against the Cowboys, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.

Analysis: Though Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reported earlier in the day that Taylor Heinicke was expected to step back in as the starter for Week 18 in place of the benched Carson Wentz, Washington will instead turn the offense over to Howell, a fifth-round rookie out of North Carolina who has yet to make his NFL debut. Howell showed promise in the preseason, completing 62.3 percent of his passes for 7.8 yards per attempt while adding 94 yards and two scores on the ground. A positive outing against the…read more

Likely to debut Week 18

Howell is slated to dress as the Commanders' backup quarterback behind Taylor Heinicke in Sunday's game against the Cowboys and is expected to get the chance to play his first NFL snaps, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While Carson Wentz was on injured reserve from Weeks 7 through 12, Howell had served as the top backup, but he didn't see any game action behind Heinicke. However, with the 7-8-1 Commanders having now been eliminated from the playoffs after suffering a 24-10 loss to the Browns this past Sunday in Wentz's return to the starting lineup, head coach Ron Rivera appears prepared to drop Wentz to third on the depth chart in order to get an evaluation on Howell in the No. 2 role. It's unclear when the…read more

Healthy again Week 15

Howell (coach's decision) has been deemed inactive ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.

Analysis: Howell was ruled a healthy scratch in each game before stepping up as the Commanders' No. 2 quarterback behind Taylor Heinicke since Week 7. However, previous starter Carson Wentz (finger) is now set to take over the team's backup duties after being activated from IR on Monday. Barring additional injury to Wentz and/or Heinicke, it's likely Howell will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future.

Set for backup duties

Howell will take over as the Commanders' backup quarterback with Taylor Heinicke set to start Sunday versus the Packers in place of Carson Wentz (finger), Ben Standigof The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Howell has been inactive through the first six weeks of the season, but the rookie fifth-round pick will get a chance to suit up as the No. 2 option behind Heinicke. Though the Commanders haven't provided an official timetable for Wentz's return, he's in line to miss multiple weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured ring finger. Howell put together solid performances during the preseason, and he could have a path to playing time if Heinicke struggles or misses any time himself.

Inactive Sunday

Howell (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Howell is currently behind starter Carson Wentz and No. 2 quarterback Taylor Heinicke on the team's positional depth chart. The rookie will need an injury, or to make further strides throughout the season to crack the active roster on gameday.

Plays well again

Howell completed 24 of 35 passes for 280 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 17-15 preseason loss to Baltimore, adding eight carries for 62 yards.

Analysis: Howell played the entire game and took five sacks, but mostly he played well, finishing the preseason 43-of-69 passing (62.3 percent) for 527 yards (7.8 YPA), one touchdown and one interception. The fifth-round pick figures to enter his rookie season as a third-stringer, but there's a path to playing time by the end of the year given that Washington's other QBs are Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke.