The Green Bay Packers will start a three-game road trip with a matchup against a backup quarterback on Sunday in Washington.
Commanders starting quarterback Carson Wentz had successful surgery on his finger on Monday and could miss 4-6 weeks, per NFL Network, leaving backup Taylor Heinicke as the expected starter at quarterback come Sunday. Rookie fifth-round pick Sam Howell is also on the roster.
Wentz injured his finger during Washington’s win over the Chicago Bears last week.
The Packers have lost back-to-back games to Daniel Jones of the New York Giants and Zach Wilson of the New York Jets.
Heinicke started 15 games for Washington in 2021, including the 24-10 loss to Green Bay at Lambeau Field in October. Overall, he threw 20 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions while completing 65 percent of his passes, averaging 6.9 yards per attempt and taking 38 sacks.
Per PFF, Heinicke had 18 “big-time throws” compared to 27 “turnover-worthy plays” last season.
Regardless of Washington’s quarterback on Sunday, the Packers desperately need to get back in the win column after a disappointing 3-3 start. After Sunday’s trip to Washington, Matt LaFleur’s team stays on the road for games against the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions.
This will be the second time the Packers have faced a backup quarterback this season.
The starting quarterbacks faced by the Packers to start 2022: Kirk Cousins, Justin Fields, Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer, Jones, Wilson and now likely Heinicke.
