Carson Wentz to see specialist for broken finger, source confirms

Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz has broken a finger on his throwing hand and will see a specialist in Los Angeles on Monday, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The specialist will determine what the fracture means in terms of the time he may have to miss. Washington hosts the Green Bay Packers on October 23.

If Wentz is unable to play, Taylor Heinicke is likely to be replaced. The Commanders also have fifth-round rookie pick Sam Howell who has been inactive for every game.

Wentz injured his finger in the first half with 2 minutes left when his hand caught Chicago Bears defenseman Justin Jones’ arm on his follow-through. Wentz was seen shaking his hand after that game and later on during the drive. He never left the game, a 12-7 win for Washington.

NFL Network first reported Wentz’s finger injury.

It was a rocky start to Wentz’s career in Washington. Commanders have scrambled to protect him as he has been sacked 23 times, making him the most in the NFL. Wentz partially increased that pressure by sometimes holding the ball too long.

In six games, Wentz has thrown for 1,489 yards with 10 touchdown passes — fifth in the NFL — and six interceptions, the third most in the league. Wentz’s overall QBR of 36.0 places him 25th.

Heinicke started in 15 games last season, throwing 20 touchdown passes and 15 interceptions. But Washington wanted to step up at quarterback and viewed him as a high-end backup. So three draft picks were traded for Wentz and a second-round pick of 2022. The commanders gave up second- and third-round picks in 2022, as well as a conditional pick in 2023 that will be a second-round pick if Wentz plays 70% of Washington’s offensive snaps.

When Heinicke is playing, his legs could provide a spark for an offense that needs one. The Commanders combined for 55 points in their first two games, but only 47 in the following four games.

The once-mobile Wentz has become disabled over the years, having torn his cruciate ligament in 2017 and fractured his back a year later.

Heinicke has won over teammates and fans alike over the last two seasons with his ability to escape pressure and make plays, although limited arm strength hampered his game. During the offseason, he worked with coaches to increase his arm strength.