Ron Rivera speaks to the media
The Washington Commanders made it official by announcing that Taylor Heinicke will start on Sunday when they host the Green Bay Packers. Sam Howell was also announced as the backup. Rivera said that Heinicke gives the team the best chance to be successful, and the team rallies around him. When asked if there was any consideration given to going with Howell, he said the rookie QB is still learning. He’s on track, but they don’t want to throw him in there before he’s ready. Washington also added Jake Fromm to the practice squad today, and Rivera said he came from a good system in Buffalo,
Carson Wentz had successful surgery on his throwing hand yesterday, and will be staying in Los Angeles for a few days. The decision to put him on IR or not will come later in the week when they can reevaluate the situation. Wentz’s estimate timeline to return was 4-6 weeks, and his doctor reportedly gave him a 4 week timeline to return. If Washington places him on IR this week, he could return by Week 11 for a road game against the Houston Texans. The 6 week mark would have him return in Week 13 for a road game against the New York Giants before their Week 14 bye.
Ron Rivera
LIVE: HC Ron Rivera speaks to the media after practice https://t.co/auP69kYrMe
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 18, 2022
Carson Wentz:
Ron Rivera said Carson Wentz had hand surgery Monday and will be in Los Angeles for the next couple days. The team will re-evaluate his timeline at the end of the week.
— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) October 18, 2022
Ron Rivera said a decision to put Carson Wentz on IR wont come until later in the week.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 18, 2022
Taylor Heinicke:
“He has this never die, never quit [mentality]….”
Ron Rivera explains why the Commanders rally around Taylor Heinicke. pic.twitter.com/SJ34rEqiHo
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) October 18, 2022
Taylor Heinicke will start at QB this Sunday vs. Green Bay#GBvsWAS | #HTTC pic.twitter.com/U2y96DQu8v
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 18, 2022
Rivera praised Heinicke’s ability to run the ball in his role as the starter.
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) October 18, 2022
Sam Howell:
Rookie Sam Howell will back-up Taylor Heinicke on Sunday
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 18, 2022
Rivera says going with rookie QB Sam Howell was not a consideration:
“The focus is Taylor, it’s still early in the year…Dont want to put Sam in a situation like that this early in his career…Sam is still learning”— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) October 18, 2022
Ron Rivera on QB Sam Howell: “We think he’s on track, but Taylor right now gives us the best opportunity to be successful.”
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 18, 2022
Not at practice today, but Ron Rivera confirmed Taylor Heinicke will start Sunday. Sam Howell is on the “right track,” but Rivera still mentioned it’s early in the season and they didn’t want to throw Howell into a situation like that.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) October 18, 2022
William Jackson III:
Asked Ron Rivera about William Jackson. Said he does not anticipate the CB facing Green Bay. While Rivera added that Jackson is working with trainers on his hurt back, the coach refused to say if the CB would play if healthy. Also chose not to address the trade-request report.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 18, 2022
Brian Robinson Jr.:
Rivera said Brian Robinson has come along very well. The past week was a good dose for him, he said, and the second half vs. Bears gave the team a look at what the duo of him and Antonio Gibson can look like
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) October 18, 2022
Injured players returning:
Rivera said TE Logan Thomas, OT Sam Cosmi and WR Jahan Dotson were “worked hard” by trainers today with the idea of seeing what kind of load they can handle and how they respond. Not sure yet about practice Wed for them; depends on how feel later today/in the morning.
— John Keim (@john_keim) October 18, 2022
Sam Howell
Preparing to be a starter:
New QB2 Sam Howell says he’s been preparing weekly as if he would start even while inactive, and that approach is even more necessary since he’s one snap away from playing.
Believes he’s improved most with his footwork since joining the team.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 18, 2022
Cameron Cheeseman
Weekend off with family:
Cam Cheeseman spent his weekend back home in Columbus and, among other things, did some snapping with his dad. Said they went out in the middle of the street in his suburban neighborhood and played catch like the old days. He appreciated getting the chance to do that
— Pete Hailey (@PeteHaileyNBCS) October 18, 2022