Commanders activate Wentz to back up Heinicke
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Commanders activate Carson Wentz to back up Taylor Heinicke
Covered the Redskins for the Washington Examiner and other media outlets since 1994
Authored or co-authored three books on the Redskins and one on the Cleveland Browns
TheWashington Commandersactivated quarterbackCarson Wentzfrom injured reserve, but he wont return to the starting lineup.
Washington coach Ron Rivera said last week that when Wentz returned, he would beTaylor Heinickes primary backup when the Commanders (7-5-1) host theNew York Giants(7-5-1) on Sunday night.
I feel comfortable with Taylor, Rivera said.
Washington had until Wednesday to either activate Wentz or leave him on injured reserve.
The move comes on the same day that Washington placed centerTyler Larsenon IR. Larsen tore the meniscus in his right knee in the Dec. 4 tie vs. the Giants and will miss the rest of the season.
Wentz hasnt played since breaking his right ring finger in the Oct. 13 win over theChicago Bears. During his absence, the Commanders have gone 5-1-1 under Heinicke.
Though his quarterback rating of 42.5 ranks 26th, Heinicke has won over teammates with late-game drives that led to scores or used a lot of time to clinch a win. Teammates have praised his leadership and penchant for clutch plays.
Wentz returned to practice Nov. 23 but was not yet ready to be active in a game. Then, before the Giants game, Wentz missed multiple practices because of an illness sweeping the facility.
Washington traded two draft picks and swapped 2022 second-round picks with Indianapolis to acquire Wentz in the offseason. One of the picks was a conditional third-round selection in 2023, based on playing time. Wentzs injury will allow Washington to keep its second-round pick in April. He would need to play 70% of the snaps this season for the Colts to receive the higher pick. But even if Wentz started the last four games, he would fall short of that figure.
Wentz threw 10 touchdown passes and six interceptions in the first six games.
Larsens injury was a severe blow to the offensive line, which had started to rely more on power runs between the tackles. His muscle inside helped that strategy. He was the primary backup to starterChase Roullier, who is out for the season with a torn right MCL.
Washington has multiple center options on its roster, includingWes Schweitzer, who has played most of his career at guard but replaced Roullier at center in Week 3. In his lone start, Schweitzer suffered a concussion and didnt return to practice until Dec. 1. Washington likes his run blocking.
The Commanders also have veteranNick Martin, who has started 64 games at center including two with Washington this season.Wes Martin, on the practice squad, also can play center.