The Washington Commanders secured the services of quarterback Carson Wentz via trade before the season. But while he was injured, his replacement Taylor Heinicke only lost one game. That Wentz will be the starter again upon his return is by no means assured, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

Munich/Washington D.C. – The Washington Commanders’ season has been more than checkered.

After a good start against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Capitals lost four in a row before a shower victory over the Chicago Bears. However, quarterback Carson Wentz was injured in that one.

Since then, however, the Commanders’ offence has changed. Under backup Taylor Heinicke, the team has won three out of four games, only losing narrowly to the Minnesota Vikings.

Now Wentz is very likely to return from the Injured Reserve List. Head coach Ron Rivera won’t commit to the former Indianapolis Colt on this one.

Rivera is banking on “momentum “

At Tuesday’s mandatory media roundtable, the 60-year-old moderated away the quarterback question by a majority. “You have to look at the momentum and how the team is on,” he said. “There are some factors that are important in the decision.”

Without mentioning either name in any context, however, the ex-Carolina Panthers coach was almost philosophical. “There’s a saying among coaches: ‘You treat every player the same, you treat every player fairly, but you treat every player like it’s best for the team.'”

Anyway, it’s not even clear if Wentz will even be activated from the Injured Reserve list after his throwing hand injury.

If Rivera has already committed internally to Heinicke, the Commanders’ trainers and doctors are likely to give Wentz at least another week of rest.