When will Sam Howell make his first start?

The Washington Commanders traded for quarterback Carson Wentz in March to upgrade the position for 2022 and hopefully beyond next season.

While many are skeptical Wentz will last beyond the 2022 season, the Commanders are all-in on Wentz and spent the offseason giving him zero excuses by drafting wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the first round, running back Brian Robinson Jr. in the third round and committing massive money to star wideout Terry McLaurin.

However, the Commanders are prepared if Wentz flops. Taylor Heinicke, last season’s starter and now one of the top backups in the NFL is Washington’s backup. And the Commanders also drafted North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell in the 2022 NFL draft. At one point, Howell was considered a first-round lock but fell to the fifth round.

When Howell was drafted, many, including NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, weren’t about to write off Howell as just any fifth-round quarterback. Jeremiah gave plenty of reasons as to why he believed Howell is a future starter in the NFL. Others have pointed to the presence of Wentz as a reason Howell’s time may come sooner than later.

CBS Sports recently discussed when five of the 2022 draft’s rookie quarterbacks could start. Only Kenny Pickett went in the first round to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

What did CBS think of Howell’s chances?

There is a human element to sports that can not be ignored. When a franchise makes the level of commitment it did to Carson Wentz despite everyone warning them of the consequences, they are going to be stubborn in his usage. Wentz is sure to undergo some adversity in Washington, much like he did previously in Indianapolis and Philadelphia. Washington will stand by the quarterback through the ups and downs. His contract will not carry any dead money beyond the upcoming season so the franchise could move on from Wentz if it goes as expected.

Poor Wentz. Everyone assumes failure based on his previous two stops. However, Wentz has also…