The Washington Commanders are benching quarterback Carson Wentz once again. The team will start fifth-round rookie quarterback Sam Howell against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday as they will use Taylor Heinicke at backup, head coach Ron Rivera told reporters on Wednesday.
Initial reports hinted at Taylor Heinicke getting the start, but he reportedly did not agree with that decision. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the decision to start the rookie quarterback came after Heinicke suggested it to the coaching staff.
“The expectation about which QB would start for Washington shifted from Taylor Heinicke to Sam Howell late this morning, per sources. Heinicke, who had received indications that he was in line to start, believed Howell was deserving of a full game and relayed that to coaches,” Fowler reported.
The decision gives Washington a chance to evaluate the young quarterback before next season. “If Sam ever gets the opportunity to be a starter, this would be the chance. Why not get it over with now and go from there?” Rivera said.
The Commanders, who were eliminated from playoff contention in Week 17, have nothing to play for in their final game of the year.
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Wentz opened the season as the team’s starter. He led the Commanders to a 2-4 record. The team would soon turn to Taylor Heinicke, who led the team to wins in three of their next four games.
Heinicke went on to start for five more games, until he was benched after consecutive turnovers during a Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
With two games left on the schedule, the team turned back to Wentz, but he faltered last week. Fans turned on him quickly during that home game against the Browns.
In eight appearances, Wentz threw for 1,755 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
