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The Washington Commanders have officially made a change. After Carson Wentz went down, Taylor Heinicke stepped in as his backup, starting games much like he's done intermittently over the last couple of seasons. Going forward, regardless of Wentz's health, Heinicke will be the starter.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported the change:
"Taylor Heinicke once again the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders today and with Carson Wentz nearing full health- he was cleared to throw on the side this past week. My understanding is that Heinicke is expected to be the starter moving forward."
He continued:
"Here's the way it is explained to me. He's the starter until he's not. In other words, until his performance necessitates a change, which no one expects, Taylor Heinicke is slated to be the starter. Think of how the team rallies around him, how they play for him. Consider that he is 3-1 as the starter."
According to Rapoport, the quarterback has played himself into the starting role. It's hard to imagine the stunning victory over the previously unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles didn't play a part in the decision.
What is Taylor Heiniecke's record with the Washington Commanders and other teams?
As a starter this season, Heinicke has gone 3-1 for the Commanders. Last season, he was 7-8 in Washington as the starter. He also played for Washington in 2020 but did not make a start.
He previously played for the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, but he started one game in those two seasons while appearing in seven. He lost his only start with the Panthers in 2018.
Washington is 5-5 and in the hunt for a playoff spot. They're currently a half game behind the San Francisco 49ers for the final NFC playoff spot and are hoping the change to Heinicke puts them over the top.
If he can continue his successful record, it could very well propel them into the playoffs. It might even leave Wentz looking for a new home yet again this offseason. He was brought in via trade last offseason to provide stability at quarterback but has thus far failed to do so.
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