Washington coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday anointed Taylor Heinicke the starting quarterback for the Commanders’ Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers.
Rookie Sam Howell will be the backup.
Heinicke replaces Carson Wentz, who underwent surgery Monday on his fractured finger. Wentz is expected to be sidelined 4 to 6 weeks.
“Taylor right now gives us the best chance,” Rivera said Tuesday.
Rivera was asked if any consideration was given to tabbing Howell as the starter.
“We didn’t want to put Sam in this situation this early in his career,” Rivera said. “I think Sam is still learning what we do and how we do it … we think he’s on track.”
Wentz fractured the ring finger of his throwing hand in last week’s win over the Chicago Bears. He underwent successful surgery Monday in Los Angeles, the Commanders said in a statement. Hand specialist Dr. Steven Shin performed the surgery. Rivera said a decision on whether to place Wentz on injured reserve would come later this week.
The Commanders selected Howell in the fifth round of this year’s draft.
Wentz sustained the injury late in the first half of Thursday’s win when his hand hit Bears defensive lineman Justin Jones on his follow-through. He remained in the game and played the entirety of the contest.
Wentz finished 12-of-22 passing for 99 yards. He has 1,489 yards passing on the season with 10 touchdowns against six interceptions.
Heinicke went 7-8 as Washington’s starter in 2021. He completed 65 percent of his passes for 3,419 yards and 20 TDs against 15 INTs.
The Commanders (2-4) host the Green Bay Packers (3-3) this Sunday.
–Field Level Media