The Washington Commanders’ head into week seven with a quarterback issue.
Carson Wentz, who the team got from the Indianapolis Colts this season, has a broken finger.
However, the injury, which Wentz requires surgery on, affects the Colts.
How will an injury to Wentz affect the Colts’ draft pick, and will he return as the Commanders’ quarterback?
Commanders Trade For Wentz Requires Him To Reach A Snap Count For Draft Compensation
The Washington Commanders were smart to put a snap count stipulation in the trade agreement for Wentz.
With this stipulation, and Wentz’ injury, the Commanders could slow play his return.
Will the #Commanders slow play Carson Wentz's return from injury to ensure he doesn't account for 70% of the snaps this season?
Keeping their traded 2023 pick to Indy a 3rd rounder instead of a 2nd rounder certainly benefits Washington.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) October 17, 2022
According to Ian Rapoport, Wentz could miss four to six weeks.
#Commanders QB Carson Wentz is facing a recovery time of roughly 4-6 weeks and Injured Reserve is a consideration, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s currently in Los Angeles meeting with a hand specialist because of his fractured ring finger.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 17, 2022
If he misses six weeks, there’s a chance he doesn’t reach that 70% of total snaps.
However, the Commanders can hold him back longer if they want to keep a higher round draft pick.
But will the Commanders hold him back or let him return this season?
Wentz’ Return Could Hinge On How Well Commanders Do Without Him
With the short end of Wentz’ return being four weeks, it’s on his backup to hold down the fort.
However, with the Commanders’ four games behind the undefeated Eagles, the next four weeks are critical.
They face the Eagles at the end of that four-week stretch, which might be key depending on how both teams are doing.
If the Commanders are out of the playoff race, which they could be, it’s likely they set Wentz out longer.
However, if they can string together a streak of wins, Wentz might return this season.
NEXT: NFL Insider Reveals Major Carson Wentz Update