Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Commanders designated quarterback Carson Wentz to return to practice Wednesday.
It remains to be seen whether the veteran has the starting job, however.
Taylor Heinicke has guided Washington (6-5) to a 4-1 record since taking over for Wentz in Week 7.
Wentz, 29, landed on injured reserve on Oct. 22 after fracturing the ring finger on his right (throwing) hand during the Commanders’ Week 6 win at Chicago. The injury required surgery and he wasn’t cleared to throw until last week.
The Commanders now have a 21-day window to add Wentz to the active roster. Head coach Ron Rivera has said the plan is to prepare Wentz to back up Heinicke.
Wentz completed 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,489 yards with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in six starts (2-4 record) this season.
Washington acquired Wentz in a March 9 trade with the Indianapolis Colts. The No. 2 overall pick in 2016, he owns a 46-44-1 record as a starter with 150 touchdown passes for the Philadelphia Eagles (2016-20), Colts and Commanders.
Heinicke, 29, has completed 60.8 percent of his throws for 1,031 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions in five starts heading into Sunday’s game against the visiting Atlanta Falcons (5-6).
–Field Level Media