ASHBURN, Va. (WAVY) — Old Dominion legend Taylor Heinicke will get another crack as the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback after former starter Carson Wentz suffered a fractured finger.
Carson Wentz could miss up to a month or more after breaking his right ring finger in Washington’s 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears last Thursday night.
In a statement from the Washington Commanders, officials say Wentz underwent successful surgery Monday. He will begin rehab and is expected to make a full recovery.
Heinicke, the all-time leading passer in Old Dominion history, was officially promoted to starting QB on Tuesday. The Commanders (2-4) play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at FedEx Field.
Heinicke made a name for himself when he nearly topped Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 NFC Wild Card matchup. His heroics earned him a two-year contract with Washington.
Listed as the backup to start the 2021 season, Heinicke was thrust into the starting spot for the rest of the year after a season-ending injury to Ryan Fitzpatrick. In 15 starts last year, Heinicke threw 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.