Commanders name Wentz starter vs. Browns

The Washington Commanders will start Carson Wentz at quarterback in Sunday's Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Wednesday.

The Commanders currently hold the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC.

Taylor Heinicke is expected to be Wentz's primary backup.

Wentz opened the season as the Commanders' starter after they acquired him from the Indianapolis Colts in an offseason trade. The 29-year-old went 2-4 before landing on injured reserve after breaking a finger in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears.

Heinicke took over at quarterback and led Washington to a 5-3-1 record as the starter, holding the job even after Wentz's surgery had him healthy and available. Heinicke, 29, was pulled in Washington's Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Wentz took over against the 49ers, marking his first game action since Week 6. He completed 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.

The Commanders can reach the playoffs with a win against the Browns on Sunday and a victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 18. They can also clinch a postseason berth this week if they defeat the Browns while the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks all lose.