The Carson Wentz era in Washington is officially on pause. But for how long is unknown.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday confirmed that Wentz underwent surgery on his right ring finger Monday. Rivera wouldn’t, however, provide a timeline for Wentz’s recovery.
Reports have suggested that the 29-year-old signal-caller is expected to miss four to six weeks, which could make him a candidate for the injured reserve. Players placed on the IR must miss at least four games.
But Rivera said the decision on whether to place Wentz, who is still in Los Angeles after his surgery, on the IR or not would be made later this week.
“That’s influenced by the next few days,” Rivera said when asked about whether Wentz will be placed on IR. “That’s why he stayed. The doctors wanted him to stay, obviously, just so he could start the rehab process and then we’ll get an assessment as to where he is at the end of the week.”
Wentz’s start with the Commanders, his third team in as many seasons, was as bumpy as most of his NFL career. Despite defeating the Bears 12-7 on Thursday, during which Wentz played through the fractured finger for the entire second half, the Commanders are in last place in the NFC East at 2-4.
“Surgery went great yesterday and I’ll attack rehab with everything I have because that’s all I know how to do!” Wentz posted on Instagram Tuesday. “Appreciate all the prayers — be back stronger soon!”
As expected, backup Taylor Heinicke will take over as the team’s starting quarterback and will start Sunday at home against the Green Bay Packers.
Heinicke spent most of 2021 as Washington’s starter after replacing Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was injured in Week 1 of that season. The Old Dominion product and former XFL quarterback went 7-8 under center, throwing for 3,419 yards and 20 touchdowns versus 15 interceptions. His 45.8 QBR — ESPN’s quarterback rating — was 23rd among NFL starters.
Heinicke’s performance last season wasn’t good enough to earn him the permanent starting job, as Washington traded multiple Day 2 draft picks for Wentz in the offseason, but it did secure him the job as the Commanders’ backup — arguably one of the best in the NFL.
“I think because of the familiarity and the things that we do, it’ll be an easy transition for us,” Rivera said. “I think with Taylor too, there is always that ability to run the ball. He’s got a little bit of that in him, so it’ll be interesting. The things that we’ll do certainly will match his skill set.”
Rivera added that Heinicke is a likable personality in the locker room and someone the players “rally around.” That started in 2020 when the 7-9 Washington Football Team won the division and had to start Heinicke in the wild-card round against the Buccaneers and Heinicke performed admirably.
“He has this, never die, never quit [mentality],” Rivera said. “The guys rally around anybody that’s gonna step up and compete and do the things that you need them to do. It’s kind of that underdog story.”
Rookie Sam Howell, the Commanders’ fifth-round selection in the 2022 draft, will back up Heinicke Sunday. Washington also signed quarterback Jake Fromm to its practice squad Tuesday.
Rivera said there was no consideration to bumping the North Carolina product ahead of Heinicke to see what the franchise has in the rookie — something the coach noted is more about Heinicke’s proven track record than Howell’s development.
“No, the focus is Taylor [Heinicke]. I mean, we’re still in a good situation still early in the year,” Rivera said. “… [We] don’t want to put Sam in a situation like that this early in his career, you know, we feel he is a young man that as he grows and develops, he’s got a chance.”
• Jacob Calvin Meyer can be reached at jmeyer@washingtontimes.com.
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