The Commanders’ quarterback situation stands in an obscure state. With Carson Wentz sitting on the injured reserve, it makes him sit out for some games. Taylor Heinicke gets the threshold to start and probably win some games. He is fresh off snapping the Eagles’ undefeated streak. But the QB1’s trade pact with the Colts gives an added edge to Heinicke in the games.
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In a breakthrough turn of events, the Commanders agreed to a trade with the Colts. Carson Wentz became the face of the transaction, which led to him becoming a Commander. However, the QB1 is on IR, which keeps him off the games. It is also a beneficial spot for the Commanders over their trade deal, as Wentz’s unavailability keeps Taylor Heinicke at the helm.
As per PFT”s Michael David Smith, If Carson Wentz plays at least 70% of the Commanders‘ offensive plays this season, the franchise must send a second-round draft pick to the Colts. Additionally, if the QB1 plays less than that, Washington will send a third-round pick to Indianapolis. The NFC East franchise has a compelling reason to start Taylor Heinicke for a couple of games.
Carson Wentz trade gives Commanders incentive to start Taylor Heinicke at least two more games. https://t.co/GZeBv5SsXo
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 19, 2022
With Wentz in IR, QB Heinicke would start the SNF matchup between the Commanders and Texans. It would be the fifth game the QB1 would be missing. But if Carson Wentz returns after that, it would constrain the franchise to send the Colts a second-round pick.
However, if Taylor Heinicke starts just one game after Sunday, Wentz will fall below the 70% mark. Washington would only have to deliver a third-round pick to Indy City.
Travis Kelce may have a bone to pick with Taylor Heinicke
The Washington Commanders may have done the unthinkable after defeating the undefeated. They pulled up one of the biggest upsets over the Philadelphia Eagles. The game had a moment when Eagles DE Brandon Graham collided with Heinicke, resulting in an automatic penalty. The QB saw that, but he looked ecstatic. But Travis Kelce turned off his television after seeing the Washington QB celebrate the penalty.
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Travis Kelce mentioned, “I’ve never seen a quarterback get so excited because of a roughing the passer. That one I don’t know why it rubbed me the wrong way, man. I was just like ‘I’m out of here.’ I just turned the TV off when he got excited like that.”
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It was a weird time for Heinicke to celebrate. But eventually, they had the last laugh.
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