Washington Commanders Activate Quarterback Wentz From IR

Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke's seat just got a little bit warmer. The Commanders activated quarterback Carson Wentz from injured reserve, making him eligible to play for Week 15's Sunday Night Football showdown with the New York Giants.

We have made multiple roster moves:

--Placed C Tyler Larsen on the Reserve/Injured List
--Activated QB Carson Wentz from the Reserve/Injured List
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 12, 2022

Wentz started the first six games of the season for the Commanders, throwing for 1489 yards, 10 touchdowns, and six interceptions in two wins and four losses. He injured a finger on his throwing hand in the team's Week 6 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears, clearing the way for Heinicke to take over. Heinicke has led the Commanders to a shocking 5-1-1 record over the last seven games, putting the team squarely in the playoff hunt.

Heinicke has endeared himself to fans and teammates with his fiery and exuberant on-field personality, but he hasn't played well enough to assure himself of a future with the Commanders. The team ranks 25th in scoring despite its 7-5-1 record, and Heinicke has only narrowly exceeded Wentz's marks in passer rating (86.3 to 84.1) and net yards per passing attempt (5.94 to 5.29). Wentz actually tops Heinicke in passing yards per game (248.2 to 206.3).

If Heinicke keeps winning, he has nothing to worry about. Wentz has alienated himself from his organization's power brokers for three straight seasons, first with the Eagles, then with the Colts, and now with the Commanders. Still, no one is more popular than the backup quarterback when the starter is losing. If Heinicke stumbles at all in the coming weeks, we could see Wentz back on the field.