Commanders HC Ron Rivera names Taylor Heinicke as starting QB vs. Packers

The Washington Commanders will likely be without Carson Wentz for several weeks, and head coach Ron Rivera has officially named a replacement for the quarterback.

Rivera told reporters on Tuesday that Taylor Heinicke will start Washington’s Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers. Rookie Sam Howell will serve as the backup.

Heinicke is in his third season with Washington. He is one of the better backups in the league. The former undrafted free agent has plenty of experience, as he made 15 starts for the Commanders last season. Heinicke passed for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions while going 7-8 as a starter.

Washington drafted Howell in the fifth round this year out of North Carolina. He played well in the preseason, passing for 547 yards and three touchdowns. Rivera has chosen to go with the proven veteran rather than seeing what he has in Howell, at least for now.