Report: Commanders' Carson Wentz Suffered Finger Injury vs. Bears; Status Unknown
October 15, 2022
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz reportedly suffered a finger injury during the team's 12-7 win over the Chicago Bears on Thursday night.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Wentz fractured a finger on his throwing hand and is set to see a specialist in Los Angeles. As of now, it is unclear how much time he will miss, if any.
Wentz is in the midst of his first season as quarterback of the Commanders after coming over in an offseason trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
Both offenses struggled mightily during Thursday night's contest, and Wentz had an especially tough outing despite Washington picking up the victory and moving to 2-4.
Wentz completed just 12 of his 22 passing attempts for 99 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. He was also sacked three times.
The 29-year-old veteran has had a disappointing season thus far, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 1,489 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions for a Commanders team that is in last place in the NFC East.
Wentz started his career as the No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL draft, and he experienced plenty of ups and downs while in Philly.
In just his second season, Wentz was trending toward winning the NFL MVP award, but a late-season knee injury cut his year short. Even without Wentz, the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl behind the play of backup quarterback Nick Foles.
Wentz never came close to returning to the level of play he displayed that season, and the Eagles ultimately dealt him to the Colts before the 2021 season.
His overall numbers in Indy were solid with 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven picks, but he struggled down the stretch and the Colts missed the playoffs.
If Wentz is forced to miss some time for the Commanders, head coach Ron Rivera is likely to turn to veteran backup Taylor Heinicke.
Heinicke started a playoff game for Washington in 2020 and started 15 regular-season games for the Commanders last season, throwing for 3,419 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Washington could also explore the possibility of starting rookie fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell, who impressed at times during the preseason.
Wentz isn't without his drawbacks as a starting quarterback, but there is little doubt he gives the Commanders the best chance to win, meaning it could be a rough road forward if he ends up on the shelf.