If Carson Wentz misses time, Taylor Heinicke should start at QB — for now
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is battling numerous injuries right now, and he recently suffered a fractured finger on his throwing hand in Thursday’s win over the Chicago Bears. Wentz could miss up to six weeks due to his latest injury.
With Wentz potentially sidelined, backup Taylor Heinicke appears as if he will return to the starting lineup. And for the 2-4 Commanders, that’s the right move.
Hear me out. Rookie Sam Howell flashed in the preseason. Howell showed arm strength, accuracy and athleticism during his three games this summer. Sure, it means nothing, but Howell isn’t your ordinary fifth-round quarterback. One year ago, many considered Howell a potential top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL draft. There are plenty of reasons that Washington fans should be excited about Howell.
Just not yet.
The Commanders are not out of anything. Sure, they feel dead at 2-4, multiple games behind second place, but there are 11 games remaining in the season. Washington’s defense is playing better, with the defensive line dominating recently. That defensive line will be even better sometime soon when Chase Young returns.
Heinicke can spark the offense. Look, that’s not to say Wentz was Washington’s biggest problem. He wasn’t. But with Washington’s offensive line struggling to pass block at times, Heinicke brings a different element to the offense. He can run, knows the offense and has shown the ability to bail out of trouble if things get crowded in the pocket. And his teammates believe in him.
When Heinicke played last season, he didn’t have Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson Jr., and Cole Turner and was also without Logan Thomas and Curtis Samuel for much of his time under center. That’s a big deal.
If Heinicke does play and Washington continues to lose, then it’s time for Howell. But it’s not fair to every player on the roster if you tank the season now and go with the rookie quarterback. Heinicke can win you some games. Head coach Ron Rivera owes that to his players, which he understands.
This is a critical time for the Commanders. At this point, do you want Wentz to see 70% of the offensive snaps if you have questions about whether or not you will even keep him around in 2023? Remember, if he reaches 70% of Washington’s offensive snaps, that 2023 third-round pick turns into a second-rounder. That’s huge.
For Rivera, turning to Heinicke is a no-brainer — for now.
