Commanders to start QB Jacoby Brissett vs. 49ers

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start for the Washington Commanders on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Head coach Ron Rivera made the announcement before practice on Wednesday.

Brissett replaced Sam Howell in each of the last two games, road losses to the Los Angeles Rams and New York Jets, that extended Washington's losing streak to six games.

"It's a good opportunity for Sam to take a break," Rivera said. "Jacoby's proven that he's a very, very viable player in this league."

Including the 2022 season finale, Howell has started 16 consecutive games for the Commanders. The 2022 fifth-round pick ranks 11th in the NFL this season in passing yards (3,624) but has offset his 19 touchdown passes with a league-high 17 interceptions — including four pick-sixes. He has also been sacked a league-high 60 times.

The Commanders (4-11) finish what could be Rivera's final season in charge with home games against the 49ers (11-4) on Sunday and the Dallas Cowboys (10-5) on Jan. 7.

Brissett, who started 11 games last season for Cleveland, has completed 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in three games this season.

He compiled an 18-30 record as a starter for the Browns (2022), Miami Dolphins (2021), Indianapolis Colts (2017-20) and New England Patriots (2016). He has thrown for 10,574 yards with 51 TDs and 23 interceptions.

Brissett, 31, will become the 13th different quarterback to start for Washington since the beginning of the 2018 season. He follows Howell, Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz, Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kyle Allen, Garrett Gilbert, Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez.

—Field Level Media