Taylor Heinicke will remain Commanders QB1 for now

The Washington Commanders have decided on a quarterback. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Taylor Heinicke will remain the starting QB moving forward until “there is no choice but to make a move.”

Carson Wentz started the first six games of the season before he fractured the ring finger on his throwing hand. The Commanders placed Wentz on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least four games. The team had a 2-4 record with Wentz as the starter. He is eligible to be designated to return, but the veteran QB is not quite ready to return.

Heinicke has started in place of Wentz. While he may lack the arm talent of Wentz, Heinicke has steered the Washington offense in the right direction, and the team has rallied behind him. As a result, the Commanders are 3-1 with Heinicke starting. The team is fresh off handing the Philadelphia Eagles their first loss of the season last Monday.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera previously described Heinicke’s play as a “rollercoaster ride.”

Washington will ride that rollercoaster as long as it continues to win. ESPN’s John Keim adds, Wentz was informed of the decision.

The Commanders are 5-5 and one-half game back of the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture.

By Heinicke starting, the Commanders also ensure Wentz doesn’t play at least 70% of the team’s offensive snaps this season. By doing so, the Commanders will send a third-round pick in next year’s draft, instead of a second-round pick, to complete the trade they acquired Wentz.