Commanders HC Ron Rivera clarified Tuesday from the NFL Scouting Combine that QB Sam Howell is "not our starter," according to FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano. Rivera added that the second-year player does open the offseason as the lead QB but said the team plans to import a veteran QB to compete with Howell. Consider this a reminder that Washington wants the former fifth-round pick to earn the 2023 starting job. Howell makes for an OK late third QB in early best-ball drafting but isn't a player you must get shares of.
The Commanders are reportedly finalizing a deal to have Eric Bieniemy become their new OC. Bieniemy has served as the Chiefs OC under HC Andy Reid since 2018. The Chiefs have won 2 Super Bowls in that span with an offense that's finished no lower than top-6 in total offensive yards and scoring. Though Bieniemy has received many interview opportunities for head coaching positions over the last few years, none ever manifested to the point of an official job offer. Perhaps getting out from under the shadow of Reid and being primarily responsible for the Commanders' offense will aid in bolstering Bieniemy's resume. He'll inherit a Commanders offense that ranked 20th in total offensive yards and 24th in scoring in 2022.
The Commanders plan to play QB Carson Wentz and other starters for about 15-20 snaps in the preseason opener against the Panthers, according to The Washington Post. We'd bet on that increasing for the 2nd exhibition. We'll be interested to see how Wentz fares with his new WRs, as well as rookie RB Brian Robinson's role and performance.
Washington has placed DE Montez Sweat on IR for his broken jaw. It had already been reported that the team expected Sweat to miss multiple games. So this just locks in that he'll sit out at least the next 3. Second-year DE James Smith-Williams looks like the next man up. He played the 3rd most snaps among Washington DEs in the Week 8 game in which Sweat got hurt.
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