Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz is officially back. The Commanders activated Wentz from injured reserve Monday, and he will now serve as Taylor Heinicke’s backup.
Wentz fractured the ring finger on his right [throwing] hand in a Week 6 win over the Chicago Bears. Wentz finished the game but went on IR afterward with a 4-6 week timeline for his return.
Taylor Heinicke returned to the starting lineup for the Commanders and proceeded to lead Washington to back-to-back wins over the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts. Heinicke and the Commanders led a late lead over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9 before losing on a late field goal.
Washington’s biggest win came in Week 10 against the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles. Overall, since Wentz’s injury, the Commanders have gone 5-1-1 and stand at 7-5-1 on the season.
Head coach Ron Rivera stated weeks ago that Wentz would back up Heinicke when he returned and that he had spoken to both players before anyone else.
In six games, Wentz completed 62% of his passes for 1,489 yards, with 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.
The Commanders have four games remaining, beginning with Sunday Night Football’s rematch with the New York Giants that has major NFC playoff implications.
