Commanders News: Terry McLaurin, Sam Howell, Andre Jones and Dan Snyder

Commanders QB Sam Howell's growing stature

There's growing confidence in everything surrounding Sam Howell. The Washington Commanders quarterback came into the offseason as an unpolished gamble at football's most pivotal position, but the signs now point to the former fifth-round pick perhaps becoming the answer to Ron Rivera's prayers under center.

Howell is growing in self-belief and stature. That's obvious from where he's at now following two outstanding days of practice against the Baltimore Ravens compared to how the signal-caller came into offseason workouts.

While it seems like a foregone conclusion, Rivera wasn't ready to officially name Howell as QB 1 after Wednesday's session. However, the head coach did acknowledge via CBS Sports how consistent he's becoming with an increased level of comfort in the huddle and as a quiet leader by example within the locker room.

"Well, again, I said I gotta sit down with both [offensive coordinator] Eric [Bieniemy] and [QBs coach] Tavita [Pritchard] and really evaluate it and make sure he's doing the things that we need him to do. And yesterday he had a really good day. We're really pleased with it after having to watch the tape, and we'll see how it is after we get a chance to watch this tape together. We're traveling today, so we'll sit down tomorrow and go through it and talk about Sam and really just evaluate that."

- Ron River via CBS Sports

This was the diplomatic answer, but Howell has outperformed Jacoby Brissett this summer and deserves the keys to the kingdom. How long he'll reign is entirely up to him.