The Washington Commanders will start rookie quarterback Sam Howell in Sunday's season finale, head coach Ron Rivera announced Wednesday.
"Well, our plan is we're gonna start with Sam," Rivera told the media after Wednesday's practice.
"He's going to get an opportunity to play, why not do it from the beginning," the head coach added.
Taylor Heinicke, who reports said would be named the starter earlier on Wednesday, will serve as the Commanders' backup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. Carson Wentz started the previous week's defeat to the Cleveland Browns will likely not feature and Rivera said the coaching staff has "a lot more evaluating to do" on the veteran quarterback.
Rivera said he came to the decision after having conversations with coaches, the quarterbacks, team leaders, and people around the building, but said the Commanders' ownership had no involvement in making the decision.
Rivera added that many of the team's starters will play, including the team's top receivers to support Howell in his NFL debut, but there may be rotation depending on how the game plays out.
"We will look at the situation, circumstances," Rivera said. "We want to win, but we also have to think about going forward."
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