Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press
ASHBURN, Va. — Carson Wentz will be the Washington Commanders quarterback against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The team announced head coach Ron Rivera’s decision on Wednesday to replace Taylor Heinicke with Wentz in preparation for a game the Commanders must win to qualify for the weekend’s playoffs in the NFL National Association.
“In our current position, I’m looking for a little spark, a little something different,” Rivera said after his team’s practice.
“The last three games we’ve gone 0-2-1 and so (we’re) looking for a little extra to get us going.”
Wentz replaced Heinicke in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s game, which the Commanders lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Wentz completed 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
Rivera admitted that Wentz’s performance against the 49ers contributed to his decision. He believes Wentz has a better understanding and command of offense than in his first six games with the Commanders, when they went 2-4.
“He had a better opportunity to see the rest of the offense, to get a sense of the rest of the offense,” Rivera said.
The 29-year-old Wentz will be making his first start since Oct. 13 in Chicago. During this match, he had suffered a fracture of the ring finger of the right hand – the one with which he throws the ball – which required an operation.
The Commanders are 7-7-1 and can earn their place in the playoffs with a win and losses in Seattle, Detroit and Green Bay.
The Commanders will wrap up their regular schedule by hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, January 8.
