The Washington Commanders announced Wednesday that quarterback Carson Wentz has been designated to return to practice this week. This move starts the 21-day clock for his return to the active roster following a stint on Injured Reserve.
Carson Wentz back at it. pic.twitter.com/z9MJuqYLSz
— John Keim (@john_keim) November 23, 2022
Wentz was placed on IR after he fractured his finger against the Chicago Bears in a Week 6 win. The writing had been on the wall about the starter potentially getting benched before the injury due to a poor start to the season. Veteran quarterback Taylor Heinicke was installed as the starter following Wentz’s injury and after the 29-year-old led the team to a 23-10 victory over the Houston Texans, his fourth win in five games, head coach Ron Rivera announced that it was Taylor’s team now regardless of Wentz’s status.
“We’re gonna go with Taylor,” Rivera said. “We’ll work with Carson and see where Carson is, as far as whether he’s ready to be the backup.”
Wentz still has a ways to go to return to the active roster. During this 21-day window, Washington can activate him at any point. However, at the end of that period, they’ll have to decide if he’s returning to the active roster or if he’s going back on IR.
Regardless of what happens, it sure sounds like Wentz’s stint in Washington will be short. The NFL world had some strong reactions to the news that he was designated to return to the team for now.
Hahaha Carson determined to ruin the commanders run I love it … he can’t lose his job due to injury that’s the rules .. put him back in 😂 https://t.co/gZjoCdXp5S
— J Tuck (@jtuck151) November 23, 2022
We knew this was happening, now the question is how quickly will he be ready to play/ready to backup Heinicke?
Also – what how do they divide the reps? https://t.co/ZWFGWFuWDp
— Craig Hoffman (@CraigHoffman) November 23, 2022
Carson Wentz is returning to practice today.
I assume he will be the backup quarterback on Sunday, not Sam Howell.
Key note here, Wentz has not officially been activated. https://t.co/qct42SWZw4
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) November 23, 2022
Regardless of whether or not he plays again for the team, it at least sounds like he’s still a good teammate off the field.
Carson Wentz is hosting lots of Commanders players over at his house tomorrow for Thanksgiving
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) November 23, 2022