The Washington Commanders have turned back to quarterback Carson Wentz in their fight for a playoff berth.
The team announced Wednesday that Wentz will start in place of Taylor Heinicke when the Commanders (7-7-1) host the Cleveland Browns (6-9) on Sunday.
Wentz had started the first six games this season before breaking his right ring finger in an Oct. 13 win over the Chicago Bears. He was placed on injured reserve and did not return to the active roster until Dec. 17. Heinicke started nine games, leading the team to a 5-3-1 record.
However, Washington has gone 0-2-1 in its past three games. Though they moved the ball well with Heinicke, the Commanders have ranked 26th in red zone offense and 20th in points per game over his eight full starts.
Wentz replaced Heinicke in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 37-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Wentz completed 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
“I thought Carson coming in and, haven’t played in a while, was a little rusty at first and then he started to sharpen up,” coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday. “He showed he made quick decisions, and so that was good to see. There’s still some things that he can continue to work on.”
Heinicke had provided a spark with his mobility and penchant for clutch throws and late-game drives. Those attributes led to wins over the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts while also resulting in a tie against the New York Giants. Heinicke has thrown 12 touchdowns to six interceptions while being sacked 19 times in his nine starts, with his ability to escape pressure enabling him to be sacked less.
But with the Commanders struggling to finish drives of late and a belief that Wentz’s increased familiarity with the offense could lead to quicker decisions, Washington opted for this move.