Commanders 'Feel Very Strong' About QB Sam Howell, Says Ron Rivera

Is the Washington Commanders' search for a franchise quarterback over? Time will tell, but coach Ron Rivera feels confident they've found their guy in Sam Howell.

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders held their first practice of the week following a preseason win over the Baltimore Ravens, and it's the second to last one of training camp which will officially close after Thursday's session.

In this practice, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett got some more reps with the first-team offense as the team continues to preach a belief the Commanders' second-in-command should have some exposure and experience with the unit just in case they're forced to move to him this coming season.

That being said, the belief in Washington is it might have finally found its quarterback of the future in Sam Howell.

And that observation leads off today's practice notebook.

SEARCH CONCLUDED?

The Commanders have spent many years trying to find the starting quarterback from them. 

Washington has tried veteran free agents, trades, and rookies drafted early in their respective NFL Drafts. 

What they hadn't tried was getting a guy on Day 3 and turning the keys over to him in just his second year. Until now.

"My first three years, every year it was a conversation," coach Ron Rivera said Wednesday when asked about the quarterback search over the years. "Every year it was, 'Well, what are we gonna do?'...We're trying to find that and we feel pretty comfortable, pretty good about the guy this year. We feel very strongly...going into this season that we've got a guy."

HOWELL WATCH NO. 20

Brissett went five for five in his first set of 11-on-11 plays with the first team offense against a toned down Commanders defense as is the tradition in the first practice following a game. 

But Howell got his reps in 11s as well and for the day completed 10 of his 15 passes (66%) with the best being a deep shot over the middle of the field to receiver Curtis Samuel between two closing Washington defenders.

Samuel likely would have taken a hit to make the play if there was full contact, but the placement of the ball gave him enough space and time to be able to bring in the pass and protect himself from the coming impact to secure an explosive play for his offense.

INJURY UPDATES

Given how little NFL teams are required to give in injury news this time of year we're always grateful to coach Rivera for sharing what he does. 

Here's what we got today. 

Chase Young continues to work his way back after suffering a stinger against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 of the preseason but was participating in team drills for the first time since. The practice wasn't padded and contact was minimal, but it's still a positive sign. 

Star receiver Terry McLaurin was absent from practice and coach Rivera reiterated that the tests have come back negative - which is positive - and they'll continue to monitor it as they progress toward Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tight end Logan Thomas is doing a little bit more every day it seems, but is not quite ready to return to team play, and receiver Dax Milne was seen leaving the practice field along with linebacker Khaleke Davis after stretches. 

Linebacker Jamin Davis missed practice Wednesday with an illness.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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