Commanders not ready to name Sam Howell the starter. Don’t panic.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ron Rivera has had this week’s joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens circled all offseason, repeatedly calling the sessions as an important test for Sam Howell. 

And while Rivera seemed pleased by the signal-caller’s progress when the workouts concluded Wednesday, the Washington Commanders coach wasn’t quite ready to officially name Howell his starter.

Rivera said he needed to review the joint practices and talk with his staff before making a final decision.

The coach was asked about Howell as other teams around the league are anointing their starters. On Tuesday, Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen announced that rookie Anthony Richardson had won the team’s starting job. The Carolina Panthers have also named Bryce Young, this year’s first pick, as their starter.

“I’ve got to sit down with Eric and Tavita and really evaluate it,” Rivera said, referring to offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, “and make sure (Howell) is doing the things we need him to do. … We’ll sit down (Thursday) and go through it and talk about Sam, and really just evaluate that.” 

Rivera’s hesitation in naming a starter for Week 1 may be more an issue of timing than an indictment of Howell’s play. The Commanders have given the second-year quarterback practically every opportunity to become this year’s starter from the moment he was labeled as “QB1” in January. During training camp, Howell has received more than a majority of first-team reps — with backup Jacoby Brissett only getting a handful of snaps with the starters. 

Rivera said he was pleased with Howell when they reviewed the footage from Tuesday’s practice. Specifically, the coach said he liked the quarterback’s ball placement and his decision-making. The Commanders were hopeful that Howell would perform well in practices against the Ravens, a team with complex defensive schemes and the talent to defend at a high level. 

Howell said getting or not getting the official nod from Rivera and Co. doesn’t impact his approach. 

“The title doesn’t really change anything from a work standpoint,” Howell said. “I try to do everything I can to be the best player I can be every single day, no matter who I’m taking reps with.” 

Howell said he felt like his game progressed against the Ravens. He called it a “confidence booster” to know he and the offense could perform well against a top-rated unit. Over the two days, the 22-year-old made a series of quick, accurate throws and was able to fit the ball into tight windows. Howell even drew praise from Ravens cornerback Marlon Humprey, who told reporters that he could tell the passer was “comfortable” with the offense. 

Howell said it doesn’t matter when Rivera plans to name a starting quarterback.

As for when that could happen, perhaps Rivera will announce his decision Friday when the team gathers for practice again. If not then, he could possibly wait until after Monday’s preseason game against the Ravens to make the final call.  

But all signs still point to Howell becoming the starter. 

“The biggest thing I’m really pleased about has been his decision-making,” Rivera said. “That’s been a big plus.”