The Commanders have a new QB1 for the immediate future, at least.Washington coach Ron Rivera Brent Seabrook Jersey announced Wednesday that Taylor Heinicke, who has stepped in to replace the injured Carson Wentz, will start the team's game Sunday vs. the Texans.The reason for the decision is twofold: Heinicke is a fan favorite, albeit with limited upside, who has stepped into a difficult sitaution to lead what was a reeling Washington team; and Rivera indicated that Wentz wasn't quite ready to return from his injury.Washington may have another reason for keeping Wentz sidelined, one related more to draft capital than winning percentage.Regardle s, Rivera and the Commanders clearly think the future the near future, at least runs through Heinicke.MORE: The Sporting News looks into Rivera's decision to name Heinicke the starter over Wentz for now: The Commanders have more than one reason to start Heinicke over Wentz, the chief one being that the latter is still not Chris Chelios Jersey yet cleared to play.Per ESPN's John Keim, Rivera told reporters that Wentz who was placed on injured reserve on Oct. 22, nine days after fracturing the ring finger on his throwing hand has only been cleared to start throwing. He has not yet been designated to return to practice and is still listed on the team's despite being eligible to return after mi sing four weeks.Ron Rivera said Taylor Heinicke Anton Forsberg Jersey will start this week. QB Carson Wentz has been cleared to start throwing but they have not yet designated for him to return to practice. He was working on the field earlier today with trainers. John Keim (@john_keim) Wentz went 2-4 as the starter before the injury. He opened the season by leading a 28-22 win over Jacksonville before four straight lo ses. His last game was a 12-7 victory over Chicago, the last game before he went on IR.MORE: Heinicke won't ever be confused with an All-Pro-caliber quarterback, but Washington has undeniably enjoyed greater succe s with him under center, even if his Alex DeBrincat Jersey stats don't match up well to Wentz's.In four games, Heinicke has completed 75 of 121 pa ses (62 percent) for 840 yards and five touchdowns to four interceptions. In six games, Wentz has completed 144 of 232 pa ses (62.1 percent) for 1,480 yards and 10 touchdowns to six interceptions.The team has gone 3-1 with Heinicke as the starter under center. The lone defeat was a 20-17 lo s to Minnesota in Week 9. He has led victories over the Packers, Colts and previously unbeaten Eagles. His decision to give himself up on a third-down sack and e Brandon Manning Jersey sentially iced the game for Washington vs. Philadelphia.The Commanders also have fifth-round rookie Sam Howell to consider, but Rivera said that Heinicke gives Washington the best chance to win against the 1-7-1 Texans.MORE: A not-insignificant factor in the Commanders' decision to name Heinicke over Wentz is draft capital. As part of the deal to acquire Wentz from the Colts last offseason, the Commanders included a conditional third-round pick that would turn Graham Knott Jersey into a second-rounder if Wentz plays 70 percent of Washington's offensive snaps roughly the equivalent of 12 games' worth.By starting Heinicke over Wentz at least vs. the Texans, Washington reduces the likelihood that Wentz reaches that threshold, ensuring the team only parts with a third-round pick as opposed to a second-rounder.The NFL is a busine s, after all. And lately, the Commanders have been in the busine s of winning with Heinicke. Related Articles