Ron Rivera had no clue about Commanders’ elimination scenario

Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera seemed to make a fairly embarrassing gaffe after his team’s loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

The Commanders entered Sunday in an unusual spot, as they could conceivably clinch a playoff spot or be eliminated depending on how results elsewhere went. 

However, the Commanders lost, leaving only potential elimination on the table. A Washington loss, combined with wins for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers, would mean elimination. 

The Commanders lost to Cleveland and the Lions did win in the early window to push Washington to the brink.

Even though this was well-known prior to the game, Rivera seemed completely unaware. 

When asked after the game if Sam Howell could be in contention to start at quarterback in Week 18 if the Commanders are eliminated Sunday, Rivera’s response was confusion.