Tar Heels in NFL: Howell looks sharp as he adjusts to new Washington system

By R.L. Bynum

Sam Howell looked good in his first game as an NFL starter, playing a little more than a quarter.

Howell completed 9 of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown for a 119.1 rating in 19 snaps over three drives as the Washington Commanders won their exhibition opener Friday at Cleveland 17–15.

“I thought it was solid,” said Howell, who was sacked on Washington’s first drive. “Obviously, got off to a slow start with the first two drives, but I thought the third drive was really good. I was proud of our guys with how we battled back after a rough two drives, and we gave up a safety. Think our ability to bounce back was definitely good, and we put some good things on film.”

Howell is learning a new system under first-year offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who coached Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City the past few seasons.

“You’ve got to change your mindset from a decision-making standpoint and to learn new concepts and learning how to tie your feet to those concepts and trying to make good decisions in practice and then turn it over into games,” Howell said. “I think I’ve come a long way just from my knowledge of football and understanding what we’re trying to do on offense and what the defense is doing trying to stop this.”

After only playing in the season finale of his rookie season, he showed poise in the pocket to avoid pressure while still looking for open receivers. When there was nothing there, he threw the ball away, as he did on a first-down play at the Washington 5.

When the pocket collapsed on a third-and-six in the first quarter, he ran eight yards for a first down.

“Very encouraged. A lot of good things,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “I thought, again, he threw some really good balls. I thought the decision-making was what you want. He looked to have command of things, and it was good to see him get into a rhythm.”

In leading a 10-play, 80-yard second-quarter scoring drive, Howell scrambled before connecting with tight end Cole Turner for 13 yards down the right side on a fourth-and-three at the Browns 39.

“The defense did a good job of covering the concept we had, so I tried to get out of the pocket and make something happen, and Cole did a really good job just getting open,” Howell said. “We practice the scramble drill a lot.”

On the next play, he hit Jahan Dotson on a 26-yard touchdown pass.

“Cole did a good job on the touchdown,” Howell said. “We knew we were going to get man coverage, and we knew that’s a route that Jahan is really good at, and he could have made my job easy.”

Third-year Washington wide receiver Dyami Brown caught one of two passes targeted to him for 14 yards in his 19 snaps. All of his targets came from former N.C. State quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Also starting in exhibitions so far this weekend were second-year Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler, rookie Detroit Lions wide receiver Antoine Green, second-year New York Giants offensive guard Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants linebacker Tomon Fox, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb and sixth-year Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart Jr.

In the Vikings’ 24–13 loss Thursday to the Seattle Seahawks, Chandler, still listed as third string, rushed for 41 yards on 11 carries, including a nine-yard run, and caught all four passes thrown to him for 29 yards, including a 13-yard reception.

Green caught all three passes that came his way for 36 yards in the Lions’ 21–16 home victory Friday over the New York Giants. In that game, Fox had one tackle.

Holcomb, in his fifth NFL season but first with the Steelers, had one tackle and one assist in Pittsburgh’s 27–17 road victory over Tampa Bay. It didn’t go well for quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who came off the bench and completed only 1 of 4 passes for 10 yards and was intercepted for a 0.0 rating.

Stewart had one tackle and one special-teams tackle in Houston’s 20–9 road victory Thursday over New England.

Tar Heels who sat out games so far this weekend were Houston offensive tackle Charlie Heck (on the PUP list), Atlanta wide receiver Mack Hollins and Denver running back Javonte Williams.

The Miami Dolphins have signed fourth-year safety Myles Dorn, who played five games last season for the Minnesota Vikings and participated in offseason workouts with the Carolina Panthers. Making the team may be challenging; he’s listed on the depth chart as fifth string.

In Miami’s 19–3 home loss to Atlanta on Friday, Dorn had one tackle and one special-teams assist. For the Falcons, linebacker Andre Smith had two tackles.

James Hurst, who played tackle last season, has shifted to left guard for the New Orleans Saints and is battling Andrus Peat for the starting job. The Saints face Tennessee at 1 p.m. Sunday (CBS).

Entering his 10th NFL season, Hurst could become one of 200 position players in NFL history to play in 150 games after being undrafted.

“It’s a huge blessing,” Hurst told nola.com. “Honestly, it’s hard to believe at times. My first four seasons were scratching and clawing and hoping I make the team.”

Before the official team depth chart was released, Dallas Cowboys rookie offensive lineman Asim Richards was listed as second string on most websites. The official depth chart, though, has him as the third-string left guard behind Tyler Smith and Mann Farniok. Dallas faces Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Cornerback Kyler McMichael is fighting for a roster spot with the Arizona Cardinals, listed as sixth string. In Arizona’s 18–17 home win over Denver on Friday, he had two tackles and forced a fumble.

Several Tar Heels have games the next two days, highlighted by Josh Downs’ first time in an NFL uniform as the Indianapolis Colts visit the Buffalo Bills at 1 p.m. Saturday.


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Roster situation Third-string right cornerback
2025 statistics (UNC) —12 games, 29 tackles, 7 assists, 2 tackles for losses, 0.5 of a sack, 8 passes defended
Preseason Week 1 — Vikings 13, Giants 10 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 11 offensive snaps (20%)
Preseason Week 2 Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start, 2 tackles; 24 defensive snaps (41%), 5 special-teams snaps (25%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Broncos 34, Vikings 6 | didn’t start, 1 assist; 5 defensive snaps (7%), 10 special-teams snaps (38%)
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS


British Brooks, Houston Texans running back
Age 26 | 5–11, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–23

Roster situation First-string fullback
2025 statistics —13 games, 17 carries, 787 yards (20 longest); 5 special-teams tackles, 5 special-teams assists
Preseason Week 1 Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Preseason Week 2 Raiders 22, Texans 20 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Panthers 16, Texans 13 | missed game recovering from hand surgery
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS


Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 26 | 6–0, 195 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20

Roster situation Second-string right wide receiver
2025 statistics (Jacksonville) — 17 games, 7 starts, 23 catches, 220 yards (39 longest), 9.9 average, 1 TD, 1 fumble (lost); 5 carries, 26 yards (9 longest); 4 kickoff returns, 106 yards (31 longest)
Preseason Week 1 Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 | started, 1 catch on 2 targets, 22 yards, 1 tackle after an interception on a pass intended for him; 12 offensive snaps (17%)
Preseason Week 2 Lions 17, Commanders 13 | didn’t start, 1 catch on 1 target, 3 yards; 11 offensive snaps (23%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Ravens 41, Commanders 3 | didn’t play
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Philadelphia, Fox


Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 25 | 5–9, 171 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2020–22

Roster situation — Starting slot wide receiver
2025 statistics — 16 games, 11 starts, 58 catches, 566 yards (34 longest), 4 touchdowns; 2 rush, -2 yards; 7 punt returns, 68 yards; 2 tackles
Preseason Week 1 Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 Falcons 34, Colts 6 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 Saturday: Lions 25, Colts 16 | Didn’t play (expected to be ready for Week 1, but has dealt with a minor calf injury)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Baltimore, CBS


Roster situation Reserve tackle
2025 statistics — (with New York Giants) Missed the season with a severe calf injury suffered during training camp (played 17 games in 2024)
Traded: The Giants traded him to the Chiefs on Wednesday for a seventh-round draft pick.
Preseason Week 1 (with Giants) Vikings 13, Giants 10 | Played 27 offensive snaps (50%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 (with Giants) Giants 26, Dolphins 3 | didn’t start, injured on late third-quarter play; 47 offensive snaps (58%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%)
Preseason Week 3 (with Chiefs) Chiefs 9, Seahawks 9 | didn’t play
Season opener — 8:15 Monday, Sept. 14 vs. Denver, ESPN


Roster situationStarting weakside linebacker
2025 statistics — 16 games, 15 starts, 94 tackles, 65 assists, 7 tackles for losses, 1 sack for 7 yards, 3 passes defended, 2 quarterback pressures, 1 quarterback hit, 2 special-teams tackles, 2 fumble recoveries
Preseason Week 1 Titans 19, 49ers 13 | started, 2 tackles, 1 assist; 26 defensive snaps (34%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 2 Sunday: Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | started, 3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 pass defended; 25 defensive snaps (49%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%)
Preseason Week 3 Saturday: Bears 24, Titans 15 | started, 1 tackle; 13 defensive snaps (19%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New Your Jets, CBS


Roster situation — Starting running back
2025 statistics — 9 games, 6 starts, 124 carries, 545 yards (54 longest), 4.4 average, 4 touchdowns; 32 catches, 192 yards (22 longest), 1 touchdown; 1 fumble recovery
Preseason Week 1 Chargers 27, Texans 7 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 Thursday: 49ers 41, Chargers 17 | started: 1 carry, -1 yard; 3 offensive snaps (5%)
Preseason Week 3 Thursday: Rams 20, Chargers 18 |
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS


Charlie Heck, Miami Dolphins offensive lineman
Age 29 | 6–8, 311 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2015–19

Roster situationSecond-string left tackle
2025 statistics (Tampa Bay)— 18 games, 1 tackle, 701 offensive snaps, 642 special-teams snaps
Preseason Week 1 Commanders 20, Dolphins 7 | Played 27 offensive snaps (49%) and 1 special-teams snap (4%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 Giants 26, Dolphins 3 | started, called for offensive holding and a false start; 30 offensive snaps (83%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Falcons 17, Dolphins 12 | didn’t start, 19 offensive snaps (33%), 4 special-teams snaps (15%)
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 at Los Angeles Raiders, Fox


Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 29 | 6–1, 240 | eighth NFL season | UNC 2015–18

Roster situation Second-string right inside linebacker
2025 statistics — 12 games, 3 starts, 19 tackles, 11 assists, 1 forced fumble, 5 special-teams tackles, 3 special-teams assists
Preseason Week 1 Steelers 28, Packers 9 | didn’t start, 2 tackles; 37 defensive snaps (62%), 10 special-teams snaps (38%)
Preseason Week 2 Jets 17, Steelers 0 | didn’t start, 1 tackle, 1 assist; 17 defensive snaps (29%), 8 special-teams snaps (36%)
Preseason Week 3 Thursday: Bills 28, Steelers 27 | started, 3 tackles, 2 assists, 1 tackle for a loss; 41 defensive snaps (61%), 9 special-teams snaps (29%)
Season opener —1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Atlanta, Fox


Roster situation Second-string right wide receiver
2025 statistics — 15 games, 47 catches, 550 yards, 12.0 average, 54 longest, 2 touchdowns
Preseason Week 1 Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Started, 2 catches on 4 targets, 24 yards (18 longest); 13 offensive snaps
Preseason Week 2 Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | didn’t start; 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 3 Thursday: Browns 37, Patriots 13 | didn’t play
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC


Sam Howell, Dallas Cowboys quarterback
Age 24 | 6–1, 225 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–21

Roster situation Second-string QB listed as Howell or Joe Milton
2024 season statistics (Seattle Seahawks); didn’t play in 2025 when with Philadelphia — 2 games, 5 of 14, 24 yards, 1 interception, 14.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards
Preseason Week 1 Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | started, 8 of 12, 94 yards (39 longest), 1 TD (39-yard pass to Cameron Brown), 118.1 passer rating; 2 carries for 15 yards (10 longest); 26 offensive snaps (39%)
Preseason Week 2 Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13 | started second half, 7 of 10, 65 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 1 sack (6 yards), 47.9 passer rating; 1 carry, 7 yards; 28 offensive snaps (47%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Saints 27, Cowboys 24 | started second half, 12 of 17, 155 yards, two touchdowns (26-yard pass to Jordan Hudson; 21-yard pass to Mitchell Van Vooren), 0 interceptions, 130.6 passer rating; 1 carry, 2 yards; two-point conversion run; 32 offensive snaps (48%)
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC


Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 29 | 5–10, 191 | ninth NFL season | UNC 2015

Roster situation Starting left cornerback
Season statistics — 12 games, 38 tackles, 11 assists, 1 interception
Preseason Week 1 Broncos 27, Falcons 7 | Started, 1 tackle, 2 assists; 14 defensive snaps (19%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Preseason Week 2 Falcons 34, Colts 6 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Falcons 17, Dolphins 12 | started, 1 pass defended; 14 defensive snaps (24%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Pittsburgh, Fox


Roster situation Second-string nickelback
2025 statistics — 2 games, 3 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 interception, 1 assist on kickoff coverage
Preseason Week 1 Chargers 27, Raiders 13 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 pass defended; 30 defensive snaps (45%), 7 special-teams snaps (32%)
Preseason Week 2 Thursday: Raiders 22, Texans 20 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 2 assists; 1 punt return, 8 yards; 36 defensive snaps (52%), 10 special-teams snaps (32%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Panthers 16, Texans 13 | started; 1 tackle, 1 tackle on kickoff coverage, 1 fair catch on punt; 36 defensive snaps (51%), 11 special-teams snaps (46%)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. Buffalo, CBS


Roster situation Second-string right guard
2025 statistics — Didn’t play; went on injured reserve in late August
Preseason Week 1 Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | started; 23 offensive snaps (52%), 1 special-teams snap (4%); played center and guard
Preseason Week 2 Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | started; 18 offensive snaps (29%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Bengals 30, Eagles 13 | didn’t play
Season opener — 4:25 Sept. 13 vs. Washington, Fox


Drake Maye, New England Patriots quarterback
Age 23 | 6–4, 225 | third NFL season | UNC 2021–23

Roster situationStarting quarterback
2025 statistics — 17 games, 17 starts, 354 of 492, 4,494 (72 longest), 71.9%, 31 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 47 sacks (201 yards in losses), 113.5 rating; 103 carries, 450 yards (28 longest), 4 touchdowns; 1 two-point conversion run; 3 fumbles (2 lost, 1 recovered)
Preseason Week 1 Colts 13, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 Saturday: Patriots 24, Eagles 21 | Didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 Thursday: Browns 37, Patriots 13 | Didn’t play
Season opener — 8:30 Sept. 9 at Seattle, NBC


Asim Richards, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 25 | 6–4, 307 | fourth NFL season | UNC 2019–22

Roster situationSecond-string left tackle
2025 statistics — 15 games, 4 starts, 359 offensive snaps, 53 special-teams snaps
Preseason Week 1 Jaguars 24, Saints 20 | started; called for a false start; 45 offensive snaps (68%), 5 special-teams snaps (18%)
Preseason Week 2 Saturday: Rams 34, Saints 0 | started; 26 offensive snaps (39%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Saints 27, Cowboys 24 | started; 32 offensive snaps (54%), 5 special-teams snaps (19%)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Detroit, Fox


Roster situation Fourth-string defensive tackle
2025 statistics (New England) —Spent season on practice squad
Preseason Week 1 Vikings 13, Giants 10 | 2 assists; 9 defensive snaps (17%)
Preseason Week 2 Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start; 1 tackle; 27 defensive snaps (47%), 3 special-teams snaps (15%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Broncos 34, Vikings 6 | didn’t start, 3 tackles, 1 assist; 31 defensive snaps (46%), 6 special-teams snaps (23%)
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS


Roster situation Third-string weakside linebacker
2025 statistics — 11 games, 4 tackles
Preseason Week 1 Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | didn’t start, 2 tackles, 4 assists, 1 forced fumble; 40 defensive snaps (61%), 5 special-teams snaps (28%)
Preseason Week 2 Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | started; 4 tackles, 1 assist, 1 forced fumble; 35 defensive snaps (45%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Seahawks 9, Chiefs 9 | didn’t play
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 9 vs. New England, NBC


Mitch Trubisky, Tennessee Titans quarterback
Age 30 | 6–3, 222 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2014–16

Roster situation Second-string QB behind Cam Ward
2025 statistics (Buffalo) — 4 games, 25 of 35, 313 yards (37 longest), 4 touchdowns, 1 2-point conversion completion; 9 carries, 6 yards (9 longest)
Preseason Week 1 Titans 19, 49ers 13 | didn’t start, 2-3, 23 yards (17 longest), 89.6 passer rating; 8 offensive snaps (13%)
Preseason Week 2 Sunday: Titans 19, Seahawks 16 | didn’t start, 7 of 9, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 49 yards, 89.4 passer rating; 16 offensive snaps (21%)
Preseason Week 3 Saturday: Bears 24, Titans 15 | didn’t play
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 vs. New York Jets, CBS


Roster situation Third-string defensive end
2025 statistics (UNC) —12 games, 11 tackles, 11 assists, 6 tackles for losses, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 2 fumble recoveries
Preseason Week 1 Vikings 13, Giants 10 | played 1 defensive snap (2%) off the bench
Preseason Week 2 Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | didn’t start; 18 defensive snaps (31%), 4 special-teams snaps (20%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Broncos 34, Vikings 6 | didn’t start; 1 tackle; 28 defensive snaps (42%), 7 special-teams snaps (27%)
Season opener — 4:15 Sept. 13 vs. Green Bay, CBS


Tez Walker, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver
Age 25 | 6–1, 198 | third NFL season | UNC 2023

Roster situation Second-string wide receiver
2025 statistics — 11 games, 2 starts, 6 catches, 136 yards (38 longest), 3 touchdowns; 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 2 QB hit, 2 special-teams assists
Preseason Week 1 Ravens 24, Eagles 7 | started, 3 catches on 3 targets, 31 yards (19 longest); 1 tackle on kickoff coverage; 26 offensive snaps (32%), 5 special-teams snaps (22%)
Preseason Week 2 Saturday: Ravens 13, Vikings 3 | started, 2 catches on 3 targets, 32 yards (27 longest); 32 offensive snaps (55%), 6 special-teams snaps (30%)
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Ravens 41, Commanders 3 | didn’t start, 3 catches on 5 targets, 22 yards (11 longest); 41 offensive snaps (59%)
Season opener — 1 p.m. Sept. 13 at Indianapolis, CBS


Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys running back
Age 26 | 5–10, 220 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2018–20

Roster situation Starting running back
2025 statistics — 16 games, 16 starts, 252 carries, 1,201 yards (4.8 average; 66 longest), 11 touchdowns; 35 catches, 137 yards (3.9 average; 14 longest), 2 touchdowns
Preseason Week 1 Cowboys 17, Seahawks 7 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 2 Saturday: Cowboys 34, Cardinals 13 | didn’t play
Preseason Week 3 Friday: Saints 27, Cowboys 24 | didn’t play
Season opener — 8:20 Sept. 13 at New York Giants, NBC


New Orleans running back Ty Chandler; suffered knee injury in second preseason game; ran for 45 yards in two preseason game

New York Giants rookie cornerback Thaddeus Dixon (torn Achilles)

Houston safety M.J. Stewart (torn quad), who didn’t play during the preseason

Center Austin Blaske by Los Angeles Rams; had played every offensive snap of all three preseason games
Running back Michael Carter by Tennessee; had three catches for 20 yards and a 43-yard kickoff return in last preseason game
Linebacker Tomon Fox by Los Angeles Rams; had 28 tackels and 13 special-teams tackles in two preseason games
Linebacker Amari Gainer by New England; had 4 tackles and two assists in three preseason games
Linebacker Kaimon Rucker by Baltimore; had 5 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack (6 yards), 2 tackles for losses and 1 quarterback hit in their 41–3 preseason win Friday

Tight end Bryson Nesbit by Minnesota after collecting 3 catches for 29 yards in two preseason games; had been listed as fifth string

Photo via @Commanders

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