Commanders Quarterback Wentz to Return to Practice

The Washington Commanders put an end to any potential quarterback controversy when they named Taylor Heinicke the starter for the remainder of the season, but he'll have to at least play well now to keep his job. The team activated quarterback Carson Wentz's practice window, positioning him for a return from injured reserve within the next 21 days.

QB Carson Wentz has been given a return to practice designation
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 23, 2022

Wentz has been unavailable since injuring his finger in the Commanders' Week 6 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears. He finished the game, but further evaluations revealed an injury that would necessitate a stint on injured reserve. Heinicke took over starting duties in Week 7, leading the Commanders to a thrilling 23-21 upset over the Green Bay Packers.

Wentz's return puts the pressure on Heinicke to continue his solid, capable play. Wentz has actually narrowly outperformed Heinicke this year in key areas, including passing yards per game (248.2 to 206.2), passer rating (84.1 to 81.8), and interception rate (2.6% to 2.7%), but Heinicke's leadership and enthusiasm have the Commanders rolling. They've won in four of Heinicke's five starts.

The second overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz initially joined the Commanders via trade with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this year. Despite functional play at the sport's most crucial position, the Commanders could be the third franchise he has fallen out of favor with. The Philadelphia Eagles also traded him in 2021 after four years with the team that included a Pro Bowl season.