NFL Rumors: Commanders Quarterback Heinicke Could Hold Onto Starting Job

The Washington Commanders may have a quarterback controversy brewing. Despite Carson Wentz becoming eligible to return to practice this week, the team could roll with Taylor Heinicke at starter for Week 11's matchup with the Houston Texans, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Wentz has been unavailable since suffering a finger injury in the Commanders' Week 6 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears. In his absence, Heinicke has led the Commanders to a surprising 3-1 record, including a Monday Night Football win over the previously undefeated Philadelphia Eagles this past week.

Wentz and Heinicke have played similarly through ten games of the regular season, with Wentz actually narrowly outpacing Heinicke in passing yards per game (248.2 to 210.0), interception rate (2.6% to 3.3%) and passer rating (84.1 to 82.7). Still, Heinicke has the Commanders at 5-5 after a 1-4 start to the season, and according to Fowler, has earned the affection of his teammates.

Heinicke initially joined the Commanders as a free agent in the 2020 offseason. After years of toiling in anonymity, he made his name with a gutsy Wildcard Round performance against the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Heinicke passed for 306 yards and ran for another 46 yards in the 31-23 loss, endearing himself to fans forever with a dramatic 8-yard touchdown run.