Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz throws a pass as he is tackled by San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) and cornerback Jimmie Ward (1 ) being pressured , California (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
ASHBURN, Va. – Carson Wentz will start as quarterback for the Washington Commanders on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
The team on Wednesday announced coach Ron Rivera’s decision to switch from Taylor Heinicke to Wentz in a must-win game in the NFC wildcard race.
Wentz replaced Heinicke in the fourth quarter Washington’s defeat at San Francisco and went 12 of 16 for 123 yards and a touchdown pass. The strong-armed 29-year-old gives the Commanders a higher ceiling than Heinicke, whose success on offense has faltered after five wins in his first six starts.
This will be Wentz’s first start since October 13 in Chicago when he broke the ring finger on his right throwing hand and was operated Landed on injured reserve. He was back in uniform and supported Heinicke in a home loss to the New York Giants on December 18.
The Commanders are 7-7-1 and can secure a place in the playoffs with wins and losses against Seattle, Detroit and Green Bay. They host the Dallas Cowboys in week 18.
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