Cowboys-Commanders just got a huge quarterback update ahead of season finale

The Dallas Cowboys now know who will be playing quarterback on the other side of the field when they visit the Washington Commanders in Week 18 in search of clinching the NFC East title. Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, who could very well be coaching his last game with the team, announced on Wednesday the […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Jan 3, 2024 2:11 PM EST

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) and defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (56) and Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium. — Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys now know who will be playing quarterback on the other side of the field when they visit the Washington Commanders in Week 18 in search of clinching the NFC East title.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, who could very well be coaching his last game with the team, announced on Wednesday the team plans to start Sam Howell.

"We're going to stick with Sam," Rivera told reporters. "Sam went out and did the things that we were hoping he would be able to do. He did some really good things, I thought he managed a couple of drives very well, very nicely. Want to see him get an opportunity to finish it out."

For those who haven't kept up with the Cowboys' division rival, let me hit you with a quick refresher: Howell was benched for Jacoby Brissett in Week 16, who was slated to start versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17.

However, Brissett then suffered a hamstring injury, which ultimately made Howell QB1 once again. Wednesday's comments from Rivera are the first indication of who'll get the start against the Cowboys, and he acknowledged the injury was part of the decision.

"I thought early on when he had the connection going with Terry (McLaurin), that's the thing that you've been looking for." Rivera added when asked about what he liked from Howell's performance vs. the Niners. "We've got a chance to see if we can do some more of that."

Howell's outing against the Cowboys in Thanksgiving had some ups and downs. Although he was picking at CB DaRon Bland early in the game, he ended up tossing a 63-yard pick six to him. He did pass for 300 yards and a 64% completion rate.