Carson Wentz has perfect response to Commanders sticking with Taylor Heinicke

The Washington Commanders are 5-1 in their last six games. With Taylor Heinicke authoring four of those victories and becoming a national storyline in the process, it’s easy to forget Carson Wentz got this hot streak started by playing through a broken finger in the win over Chicago on Thursday Night Football.

Wentz underwent surgery and went on injured reserve shortly thereafter, setting the stage for Heinicke to take over the offense. While Heinicke’s overall play has left a lot to be desired, he came up big in wins over the Packers, Colts and Eagles, and Ron Rivera made the easy call to stick with him over Wentz.

It’s worth noting that Heinicke hasn’t been named the starter for the rest of the season. The Commanders are winning games — and there’s no reason to mess with that mojo — but a few losses (probably two) coupled with some wonky quarterback play could force Rivera’s hand the keys back to Wentz.

It can’t be easy for Wentz to have another backup performing well enough to keep him sidelined, but the former Pro Bowler had a perfect answer to Washington sticking with Heinicke and losing his job to an unfortunate injury.

Carson Wentz understands why the Commanders are sticking with Taylor Heinicke at quarterback.

"“I get it, I get it. It’s part of the business,” Wentz said of Rivera sticking with Heinicke at quarterback, via NBC Sports Washington. “I totally understand where we are at as a team and everything else. Obviously, as a competitor, you want to be out there. … But at the same time, I have a great relationship with Taylor and all the guys. I’ve been happy to see him succeed in what he’s been able to do.”"

Wentz hasn’t put a foot wrong behind the mic since he arrived in the nation’s capital. That’s a massive credit to him, given how he lost his job.

In the offseason, Rivera assured Wentz he was brought in to be the starter, and the quarterback was by no means playing poorly at the time of his injury. Would anyone blame him for being annoyed with the move? The general media wouldn’t be as understanding, but you wouldn’t find a Washington fan with that opinion.

Take a look at how the Saints’ Jameis Winston addressed losing his job to backup Andy Dalton after he missed time through injury.

Nobody is holding that answer against Winston, and rightfully so. The fact Wentz answered with such humility is a testament to his character.

At the time of this writing, Wentz hasn’t bee promoted to the active roster, but he’s been designated to return to practice, opening his 21-day window. Wentz won’t be activated for Sunday’s game vs Atlanta, but that hasn’t stopped the former second overall pick from mentoring Heinicke along the way.

"“He’s [Wentz] been in all the meetings, he’s been at practice, he’s been helping me out a lot,” Heinicke said of Wentz. “Our relationship has been great ever since he’s gotten here. I understand it must be tough on him the last several weeks, but he’s put that aside and he’s helped me out a lot. So, it’s a lot of credit to him and speaks to his character.”"

What more can you say about Wentz? Just an awesome dude.