The Washington Commanders announced Monday evening that quarterback Carson Wentz underwent successful surgery on his broken ring finger. The procedure occurred at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan Jobe Surgery Center in Los Angeles.
According to the team’s statement, Wentz will begin his rehab immediately. He expects to make a full recovery. What it didn’t say is a timetable for his return.
Earlier Monday, NFL Network reported Wentz is likely to miss four to six weeks. But according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, the Commanders have not yet decided whether or not to place Wentz on injured reserve.
Wentz will miss Week 7’s game against the Green Bay Packers. If he lands on IR, he has to miss at least four games before returning to practice.
Taylor Heinicke will start against the Packers in place of Wentz.
Wentz’s situation could be much like Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott suffered a thumb injury in Week 1. But the Cowboys opted not to place Prescott on injured reserve as they hoped he could return in less than four games. The Cowboys’ 26-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles marked Prescott’s fifth straight game missed.
Unlike Cooper Rush, who filled in for Prescott, Heinicke has a more extensive resume. Last season, Heinicke started 15 games for Washington. He also started in the Commanders’ most recent playoff game in January 2021.
Heinicke has a great deal of familiarity with offensive coordinator Scott Turner’s system. While his limitations are glaring, Heinicke is a very solid spot-starter.
Carson Wentz has struggled through six games before his injury. He has thrown ten touchdowns and six interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in Washington’s 21-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 5. Wentz has gotten sacked a league-high 23 times.
Some within the Commanders fan base have grumbled about a QB change before Wentz’s injury. Washington is 2-4 and in last place in the NFC East division. How the Commanders handle Wentz’s recovery and potential return will be interesting.
