The Washington Commanders are reportedly «all in» on Sam Howell to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the 2023 season and beyond, but it seemed like they had a backup plan in case his development didn’t pan out as per the planned.
Howell only appeared in one game during the season, going 11-of-19 for 169 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception. Washington primarily used Tyler Heinicke and Carson Wentz in 2022. ESPN reported Saturday that Howell will be given his first starting opportunity in 2023.
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Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on January 8, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Before the 2022 season began, Washington reportedly «called every team that might have a quarterback available» before acquiring Wentz from the Indianapolis Colts. Commanders also contacted Andrew Luck, ESPN reported.
Luck hasn’t played since the 2018 season and with weeks to go in the 2019 season, he abruptly retired from the NFL. Indianapolis hasn’t been the same since and went with several veteran quarterbacks before landing Anthony Richardson with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft.
COLTS GM DID NOT WANT TO SEE QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON BE A ‘SUPERSTAR SOMEWHERE ELSE’
Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Luck had 4,593 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He was the 2018 Comeback Player of the Year.
He told ESPN that he withdrew due to the multitude of injuries he sustained.
«To play quarterback, you can’t worry about anything except the task at hand,» Luck explained. «And that trickles down into other areas of life. It’s not the healthiest way to live.»
Colts’ Andrew Luck on the sideline during a preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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Luck’s priorities began to change and his desire to play soccer was questioned. To preserve his physical and mental health, he decided to drop everything.