Commanders news: Ron Rivera, Jahan Dotson, Sam Howell and Carson Wentz

Commanders will start Sam Howell

After some deliberation, the Washington Commanders are going to see things out with Sam Howell in Week 18. The signal-caller was named the starter by head coach Ron Rivera, making him the first quarterback to start a full season for the franchise since Kirk Cousins in 2017.

This statistic speaks volumes about the constant turbulence in Washington where football's most pivotal position is concerned. Rivera thought he did some nice things against the San Francisco 49ers to warrant one final opportunity to shine based on comments via the team's website. Whether he can alter perceptions at this late stage is the big question.

"[I] thought Sam had some really good moments. Early on when things were balanced, it was one of those things that the situation gave him an opportunity and he performed. He really did. I thought he made some good decisions, threw some really good balls, and it's just obviously there are a couple throws I promise you he would wish he had back, but he did a lot of good things."

- Ron Rivera via Commanders.com

The Commanders are going up versus a Dallas Cowboys team looking to win the NFC East at FedEx Field. They easily disposed of Washington on Thanksgiving and are renowned for preying on weakness. The cards are stacked against Howell, but that's nothing new to the former fifth-round pick based on how things have unfolded throughout the campaign.