The Washington Commanders activated quarterback Carson Wentz off injured reserve, however he will not return to the beginning lineup.
Washington coach Ron Rivera stated final week that when Wentz returned, he can be Taylor Heinicke‘s main backup when the Commanders (7-5-1) host the New York Giants (7-5-1) Sunday evening.
“I really feel snug with Taylor,” Rivera stated.
Washington had till Wednesday to both activate Wentz or depart him on injured reserve.
The transfer comes on the identical day that Washington positioned middle Tyler Larsen on injured reserve. Larsen tore the meniscus in his proper knee within the Dec. 4 tie vs. the Giants and can miss the remainder of the season.
Wentz hasn’t performed since breaking his proper ring finger in an Oct. 13 win over the Chicago Bears. Throughout his absence, the Commanders have gone 5-1-1 underneath Heinicke.
Although his quarterback score of 42.5 ranks twenty sixth, Heinicke has received over teammates with late-game drives that led to scores or used plenty of time to clinch a win. They’ve praised his management and penchant for clutch performs.
Wentz returned to apply on Nov. 23, however was not but able to be lively in a sport. Then, earlier than the Giants’ sport, Wentz missed a number of practices due to an sickness sweeping the ability.
Washington traded two draft picks and swapped 2022 second-round picks with Indianapolis to accumulate Wentz within the offseason. One of many picks was a conditional third-round choose in 2023, primarily based on play time. Wentz’s damage will enable Washington to maintain its second-round choose in April. He would want to play 70 % of the snaps this season for the Colts to obtain the upper choose. However even when Wentz began the final 4 video games, he would fall wanting that determine.
Wentz threw 10 landing passes to 6 interceptions within the first six video games.
Larsen’s damage served as an important blow to the offensive line, which had began to rely extra on energy runs between the tackles. His muscle inside helped that technique. He was the first backup to starter Chase Roullier, who’s out for the season with a torn proper MCL.
Washington has a number of middle choices on its roster, together with Wes Schweitzer, who has performed most of his profession at guard however changed Roullier at middle in Week 3. In his lone begin, Schweitzer suffered a concussion and did not return to apply till Dec. 1. Washington likes his run blocking.
The Commanders even have veteran Nick Martin, who has began 64 video games at middle together with two with Washington this season. Wes Martin, on the apply squad, can also play middle.