Commanders bench Heinicke for Wentz in loss to the 49ers

During the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, the Washington Commanders replaced starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke with Carson Wentz.

The Commanders were trailing by 16 points and struggling to move the ball offensively when Wentz entered the game. Despite the quarterback change, the team ultimately lost the game 37-20.

Heinicke finished the game with 166 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two turnovers, including an interception in the fourth quarter that helped the 49ers extend their lead and prompted the decision to replace him with Wentz.

Wentz has not played in a game since Week 6 and spent time on injured reserve with a fractured finger, but was not able to regain the starting position.

Following the game, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera stated that the team will decide on its starting quarterback early in the week, according to John Keim of ESPN.

The Commanders are currently 7-7-1 and hold the last wild-card spot in the NFC.