NFL Rumors: Commanders Facing Quarterback Questions for Week 11

The Washington Commanders could be on the brink of a quarterback controversy. Quarterback Carson Wentz is eligible to return this week from injured reserve, but head coach Ron Rivera was mum at a Tuesday press conference regarding his status for this week.

Ron Rivera punts on the quarterback question, saying they'll have to see how practice goes. No indication of whether Wentz will practice this week yet.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) November 15, 2022

Wentz has been unavailable since suffering a finger injury in a Week 6 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears. In Wentz's absence, Taylor Heinicke has led the Commanders to three wins in four games, including this week's joyous Monday Night Football 32-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Heinicke hasn't necessarily outplayed Wentz this season, but Wentz's history of alienating teammates and coaches could leave the door open for a quarterback change. Wentz has narrowly outpaced Heinicke in pass yards per game, interception rate, and passer rating, but his leadership has always been a question mark, and the Commanders could be inclined to see how far Heinicke can take them.

In the end, Wentz and Heinicke are close enough that it may make sense to ride the hot hand. The team can claim it's only being cautious with Wentz's recovery until Heinicke renders himself undeniable or falls on his face. Conversely, if the Commanders rush Wentz back into the starting lineup and he stumbles in the slightest, calls for Heinicke will grow deafening. The Commanders are likely better off letting Heinicke's play make the decision for them,