(Ashburn) Ron Rivera has chosen Sam Howell as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders.

The team announced the decision on social media Friday morning, before practice, and after talks between Rivera and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

If he stays healthy by the opener, Howell will become the seventh different quarterback in as many seasons to start the campaign behind center for the Commanders.

Rivera and the Commanders had planned to give Howell a chance to assert himself after the 2022 fifth-round pick impressed on his NFL debut in the final week of the 2022 season. Howell also completed nine of his 12 assists for 77 yards and a touchdown in a preseason game against the Cleveland Browns last week.

“He sees the court well and he’s going to give us chances to make plays at the end of the court,” receiver Terry McLaurin said earlier this week. He’s been the same guy since the start of camp, since he played his first game last year. He always keeps a cool head. »

Veteran Jacoby Brissett is expected to be Howell’s backup on Sept. 10 when the Commanders host the Arizona Cardinals.