After starting the past nine games, Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke is again a backup. The Commanders switched back to Carson Wentz as the team’s starting quarterback going into a pivotal Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns.
The Commanders are holding on to their playoff hopes. Thus, switching quarterbacks appeared necessary. Heinicke remains focused on being the best backup he can be. But that doesn’t mean he is happy about his demotion.
“It sucks,” Heinicke admitted, per the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala. “Every guy in this locker room should feel like they should start. If you don’t, then you shouldn’t be in this league. But, yeah, it is what it is. Again, I’m going to try to be the best backup I can be.”
The season began with Wentz as the starter and Heinicke the clear-cut No. 2. Yet, Wentz struggled through six starts, guiding the Commanders to a 2-4 record before breaking his finger.
Wentz landed on injured reserve, and Heinicke was given the reins to the offense.
Despite inconsistent play, the Commanders went 5-1-1 in Heinicke’s first seven starts. Commanders’ head coach Ron Rivera admitted it would have been “asinine” to make a switch. However, the Commanders cooled off, failing to record a win in the last three games.
Wentz returned from injured reserve to suit up last week as the backup against the 49ers. Losing 30-13 in the fourth quarter, Heinicke got pulled in favor of Wentz. After guiding the Commanders to a late touchdown, the writing was on the wall for a quarterback change.
Heinicke threw for 13 touchdowns and committed 11 turnovers in nine games. That includes five turnovers during the Commanders’ three-game winless streak.
For now, Heinicke must adjust his role as the backup and to support Wentz Sunday against the Browns and next week against the Dallas Cowboys.
