By R.L. Bynum
Sam Howell rebounded from a forgettable game a week earlier as the Washington Commanders challenged the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles before losing 34–31 in overtime Sunday. It was a day when one injury ended Javonte Williams’ day early and another injury led to Mitchell Trubisky making his season debut.
Howell led two fourth-quarter drives to tie the game, the second one ending with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson on the final play of regulation. Earlier in that drive, Howell connected with former UNC teammate Dyami Brown for 16 yards to convert on a fourth-and-2 with 41 seconds left.
Howell drove Washington 64 yards in 10 plays and needed only 1:43 to do it.
“It was a hell of a performance from Sam,” Washington coach Ron Rivera said. “He learned and got better. That’s growth.”
Howell finished 29 of 41 for 290 yards (including a 20-yard completion), one touchdown, no interceptions, a 98.6 passer rating and 19.6 fantasy points. He had six rushes for a career-high 40 yards, including a 20-yard gain. He was sacked five times but completed a career-high 70.7% of his passes.
“I think I did some good things out there, but, at the end of the day, we didn’t win,” Howell said. “It’s my job to win for this organization, for this team, and we didn’t do that today. We’ll go back this week, we have a short week. We play on Thursday night, and we’re excited about the opportunity.”
Washington hosts Chicago at 8:15 on Thursday (Prime Video).
“It’s a tough loss for us. Definitely, at the end, we felt like we should have won and definitely were capable of winning,” Howell said. “But I’m proud of the guys and how we fought till the end and gave ourselves a chance to take it to overtime.”
That better effort against the Eagles came after Howell was sacked nine times and threw four interceptions a week earlier in a 37–3 home loss to Buffalo.
“Obviously, I had a bad performance last week, and I kind of just put it behind me and just said that wasn’t me,” Howell said. “And so I just tried to come out here today and just be myself and be who I am and try to give this team a good performance out of me. And I would like to have won the game for us as well.”
Earlier in the fourth quarter, Howell led an 11-play, 75-yard drive that took 6:14 and ended with a Brian Robinson touchdown run to tie the game at 24.
Brown had two catches on three targets for 51 yards, including a 35-yard reception, and 7.1 fantasy points. He combined for only three catches in the first three weeks.
Washington had the first possession in overtime but could gain only five yards and punted after a three-and-out.
“I think we’ve got to do a better job if we get the ball first in overtime,” Howell said. “It’s our job as an offense to go down to score. We didn’t do that.”
Williams left Denver’s 31–28 loss at Chicago with a hip injury in the second quarter. He had two carries for no net yards and three catches on three targets for nine yards in eight snaps.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that, according to a source, Williams suffered a hip flexor and is not expected to miss much, if any, time.
Trubisky played for the first time this season for Pittsburgh after Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett went down with a left knee injury in the third quarter. In the Steelers’ 30–6 loss at Houston, Trubisky was 3 of 5 for 18 yards in two fourth-quarter drives, taking over with Pittsburgh trailing 16–6.
Pickett is scheduled to have an MRI to determine the extent of the injury.
“We know what Mitch can do,” center Mason Cole told ESPN. “And we’ve got trust in Mitch whenever he’s got to go in.”
Cole Holcomb had four tackles and three assists for the Steelers.
M.J. Stewart Jr. played for Houston but had no statistics. Of his 22 snaps, 19 were on special teams.
Josh Downs came off the bench to get two catches on three targets for 34 yards in the Indianapolis Colts’ 29–23 overtime home loss to the Los Angeles Rams. One of his receptions went for 30 yards.
Cornerback Mike Hughes had three tackles and two assists off the bench in Atlanta’s 23–7 loss in London to Jacksonville. Mack Hollins had no catches on three targets for the Falcons, and linebacker Andre Smith, activated Wednesday from their practice squad, played exclusively on special teams.
Ty Chandler returned two kickoffs, one for 33 yards that led to a second-quarter touchdown, in Minnesota’s 21–13 win at Carolina. He only played on special teams.
James Hurst started at right tackle for New Orleans in the Saints’ 26–9 loss to Tampa Bay. Hurst, who played every offensive snap, shifted to left guard after Andrus Peat was taken out and evaluated for a concussion.
Andre Green played but had no statistics for Detroit in the Lions’ 34–20 road victory over Green Bay on Thursday night.
Offensive lineman Asim Richards, who turns 23 Monday, played off the bench in the Dallas Cowboys’ 38–3 home win over New England. He got in for seven offensive after playing only 14 in the first three games and was in for seven special-teams snaps.
In the New York Jets’ 23–20 Sunday night loss to Kansas City, Michael Carter continued to be used lightly but was productive when called upon. He had one carry for nine yards and one catch for 10 yards. Chazz Surratt had no statistics playing exclusively special teams off the bench.
Joshua Ezhudu started at left tackle, and Marcus McKethan started at right guard in the New York Giants’ 24–3 loss at home Monday night against Seattle. Both played all 75 offensive snaps. Ezeudu recovered a fumble by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones late in teh fourth quarter.
Dyami Brown, Washington Commanders wide receiver
Age 23 | 6–0, 195 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Second-string WR behind Terry McLaurin
34–31 OT loss at Philadelphia — 2 catches on 3 targets, 51 yards, 7.1 fantasy points; 25 offensive snaps (32%), 6 special-teams snaps (19%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 5 catches, 76 yards (35 longest)
Up next — 8:15 Thursday vs. Chicago, Prime Video
Michael Carter, New York Jets running back
Age 24 | 5–8, 201 | third NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Third-string RB behind Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook
23–20 loss vs. Kansas City — 1 carry, 9 yards; 1 catch on 2 targets, 10 yards; 18 snaps (31%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 4 carries, 23 yards (9 longest); 6 catches, 30 yards (10 longest)
Up next — 4:25 Sunday at Denver, CBS
Ty Chandler, Minnesota Vikings running back
Age 25 | 5–11, 204 | second NFL season | UNC 2021
Roster situation — Second-string RB behind Alexander Mattison
21–13 win at Carolina — 2 kickoff returns, 55 yards (33 longest); 6 special-teams snaps (27%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 7 carries, 27 yards (12 longest); 4 catches, 31 yards (18 longest); 2 kickoff returns, 55 yards (33 longest)
Up next — 4:25 Sunday vs. Kansas City, CBS
Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Age 22 | 5–9, 171 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2020–22
Roster situation — Starting wide receiver ahead of Isaiah McKenzie
29–23 OT loss vs. Los Angeles Rams — Didn’t start; 2 catches on 3 targets, 34 yards (30 longest); 47 offensive snaps (73%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 2 starts; 17 catches, 158 yards (30 longest), 9.3 average
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Tennessee, CBS
Joshua Ezeudu, New York Giants offensive lineman
Age 24 | 6–4, 308 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Listed as second-string left tackle behind Andrew Thomas
24–3 loss vs. Seattle — Started at left tackle; recovered a Daniel Jones fumble; 75 offensive snaps (100%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 3 starts; 207 offensive snaps and 10 special-teams snaps
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at Miami, Fox
Antoine Green, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Age 23 | 6–2, 199 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Second-string wide receiver behind Marvin Jones Jr.
34–20 Thursday win at Green Bay — No statistics; 15 offensive snaps (20%), 9 special-teams snaps (30%)
Season statistics — 3 games, 1 catch, 1 target, 2 yards
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Carolina, Fox
Cole Holcomb, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker
Age 26 | 6–1, 240 | fifth NFL season | UNC 2015–18
Roster situation — Listed, along with Kwon Alexander, as starting left inside linebacker
30–6 loss at Houston — Started; 4 tackles, 3 assists; 63 defensive snaps (89%); 6 special-teams snaps (6%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 4 starts; 11 tackles, 11 assists, 2 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Baltimore, CBS
Mack Hollins, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver
Age 30 | 6–4, 221 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2013–16
Roster situation — Listed as starting wide receiver ahead of KhaDarel Hodge
23–7 loss vs. Jacksonville in London — Started; 0 catches on 3 targets, 4.0 fantasy points; 46 snaps (79%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 2 starts; 7 catches, 17 targets, 114 yards (45 longest), 16.3 average
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, Fox
Sam Howell, Washington Commanders quarterback
Age 23 | 6–1, 220 | second NFL season | UNC 2019–21
Roster situation — Starting QB ahead of Jacoby Brissett
34–31 OT loss at Philadelphia — Started; 29 of 41 290 yards (20 longest), 1 touchdown, 0 interceptions, 98.6 passer rating; 6 rushes, 40 yards (20 longest), 19.6 fantasy points; 78 offensive snaps (100%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 4 starts; 94 of 140, 961 yards, 4 touchdowns, 5 interceptions; 11 carries, 82 yards
Up next — 8:15 Thursday vs. Chicago, Prime Video
Mike Hughes, Atlanta Falcons cornerback
Age 26 | 5–10, 191 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2015
Roster situation — Second string cornerback behind A.J. Terrell
23–7 loss vs. Jacksonville in London — 3 tackles, 2 assists; 1 fair catch on a punt; 27 defensive snaps (41%), 6 special-teams snaps (27%)
Season statistics — 3 games, 3 tackles, 2 assists, 5 punt returns, 31 yards (16 longest), 4 fair catches; 3 kickoff returns, 46 yards (19 longest)
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, Fox
James Hurst, New Orleans Saints offensive lineman
Age 31 | 6–5, 310 | 10th NFL season | UNC 2010–13
Roster situation — Listed as starting left guard ahead of Andrus Peat
26–9 loss vs. Tampa Bay — Started at right guard; called for holding twice, one was declined; 65 offensive snaps (100%), 3 special-teams snaps (12%)
Season statistics — 3 games, 3 starts; 284 offensive snaps, 3 special-teams snaps
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at New England, CBS
Marcus McKethan, New York Giants offensive lineman
Age 23 | 6–7, 335 | second NFL season | UNC 2018–21
Roster situation — Listed as starting right guard ahead of Mark Glowinski
24–3 loss vs. Seattle — Started at right guard; 75 offensive snaps (100%), 1 special-teams snap (4%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 3 starts; 193 offensive snaps, 10 special-teams snaps
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at Miami, Fox
Asim Richards, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman
Age 23 | 6–4, 307 | rookie NFL season | UNC 2019–22
Roster situation — Second-string left guard behind Tyler Smith
38–3 win vs. New England — Played off the bench; 7 offensive snaps (10%), 7 special-teams snaps (27%)
Season statistics — 3 games; 21 offensive snaps, 17 special-teams
Up next — 8:20 Sunday at San Francisco, NBC
Andre Smith, Atlanta Falcons linebacker
Age 26 | 6–0, 240 | 4th NFL season | UNC 2015–17
Roster situation — Not listed on the depth chart; just activated from practice squad
23–7 loss vs. Jacksonville in London — Played with no statistics; 10 special-teams snaps (45%)
Season statistics — 2 games, 1 tackle
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Houston, Fox
M.J. Stewart Jr., Houston Texans safety
Age 28 | 5–11, 200 | sixth NFL season | UNC 2014–17
Roster situation — Second-string safety behind Jimmie Ward
30–6 win vs. Pittsburgh — No statistics; 3 defensive snaps (3%), 19 special-teams snaps (76%)
Season statistics — 3 games, 1 start, 8 tackles, 7 assists, 2 forced fumbles
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday at Atlanta, Fox
Chazz Surratt, New York Jets linebacker
Age 26 | 6–2, 233 | third NFL season | UNC 2017–20
Roster situation — Second-string linebacker behind Quincy Williams
23–20 loss vs. Kansas City — Played but no statistics; 18 special-teams snaps (69%)
Season statistics — 3 games, no statistics
Up next — 4:25 Sunday at Denver, CBS
Mitchell Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback
Age 29 | 6–2, 220 | seventh NFL season | UNC 2014–16
Roster situation — Second-string QB behind Kenny Pickett
30–6 loss at Houston — 3 of 5, 18 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs, 67.1 passer rating; 20 offensive snaps (17%)
Season statistics — 1 game, 3 of 5, 18 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. Baltimore, CBS
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos running back
Age 23 | 5–10, 220 | third NFL season | UNC 2018–20
Roster situation — Starting running back ahead of Samaje Perine
31–28 loss at Chicago — Started; 2 carries, 0 yards (1 longest); 3 catches on 3 targets, 9 yards (4 longest), left with hip injury in the second quarter, 3.9 fantasy points; 8 offensive snaps (17%)
Season statistics — 4 games, 4 starts; 38 carries 138 yards (16 longest), 3.6 average; 11 catches, 14 targets, 51 yards (17 longest)
Up next — 1 p.m. Sunday vs. New York Jets, CBS
On PUP list
Houston left tackle Charlie Heck (undisclosed injury)
On practice squad
New York Giants linebacker Tomon Fox
Waived during training camp
Fullback Jake Bargas by New Orleans
Defensive back Myles Dorn by Miami
Cornerback Kyler McMichael by Arizona
Wide receiver Dazz Newsome by San Francisco
Nose tackle Raymond Vohasek by Jacksonville
Other free agents
Aaron Crawford, defensive tackle — Baltimore released him in training camp before last season; the New York Giants signed him Nov. 8 but released him the next day.
Jalen Dalton, defensive tackle — Atlanta waived him on June 7 (he had 8 tackles, 5 assists in 7 games for the Falcons last season), Carolina claimed him June 8 but waived him June 12 with a failed physical designation.
Jeremiah Gemmel, linebacker — San Francisco released him early last season, then Denver signed and later released him.
Bug Howard, tight end — Tampa Bay released him during training camp last season on an injury settlement. He signed with the USFL’s Philadelphia Stars on Feb. 8 but they put him on the inactive list on March 19.
Austin Proehl, wide receiver — The New York Giants released him last season during training camp. He played this spring for the XFL’s St. Louis BattleHawks. In nine games, he caught 25 passes for 225 yards and one touchdown.
Robert Quinn, defensive tackle — His contract expired after finishing last season with Philadelphia. The 33-year-old veteran played 13 games, with seven starts, eight tackles (1 for a loss), two assists and one sack.
Jordan Tucker, defensive tackle — Pittsburgh released him during 2022 training camp. He signed with the CFL’s Saskatchewan Roughriders in the offseason and didn’t make the roster in preseason but is back on their roster.
Antonio Williams, running back — He was briefly on the New York Giants’ practice squad last season but was released on Oct. 5. He signed on Feb. 13 with the CFL’s BC Lions, who released him on June 27.
Photo via @Commanders
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