Report: Commanders' Carson Wentz Out 4-6 Weeks with Finger Injury; Could Go on IR

According to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, the Washington Commanders quarterback will be out for four to six weeks with a broken ring finger.

According to a report, the Commanders are considering placing Wentz on injured reserve, which would cause him to miss at least four games.

The change may not be much of a downgrade to the offense since Taylor Heinicke will be running it.

He ranked 23rd in QBR, which is better than the position he is in.

According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, Heinicke's ascension will open up the playbook for the offensive staff because of the continuity he carries over.

It's possible that Washington will give fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell an extended look instead of putting its short-term fortunes aside. It's going to be difficult to qualify for the playoffs, so why not look at whether Howell is worthy of QB1 status?

Fans might have seen the last of Wentz as the Commanders' starter regardless of who is under center.

If Washington is cut, he won't count against the cap since his salary hit won't count. The franchise wants to limit his usage before that time.

Spotrac @spotrac

Will the #Commanders slow play Carson Wentz's return from injury to ensure he doesn't account for 70% of the snaps this season?

Keeping their traded 2023 pick to Indy a 3rd rounder instead of a 2nd rounder certainly benefits Washington.

If Heinicke is doing well, then head coach Ron Rivera can point to that as a reason to keep him out of the lineup. If the season goes off the rails, Rivera could argue that there's no harm in playing next year.

It is possible that the injury may have made the inevitable happen.