Yardbarker
x
Washington may rotate QBs for playoff game vs. Bucs
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera may have to rotate quarterbacks on Wild Card Weekend. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Washington may rotate QBs for playoff game vs. Buccaneers

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith missed a pair of December games due to a strained calf but returned to the lineup last Sunday and helped Washington get past the Philadelphia Eagles and clinch the NFC East title and a home playoff matchup. 

With Smith still ailing heading into Saturday's must-win contest versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington head coach Ron Rivera admitted on Tuesday that he could rotate between Smith and backup Taylor Heinicke. 

"We have to definitely look at that," Rivera told reporters, per John Keim of ESPN. "The truth of the matter is we play a very aggressive defense this week; it's something we most certainly have to look at."

Heinicke replaced former first-round pick Dwayne Haskins during the Week 16 showdown versus the Carolina Panthers and completed 12-of-19 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown. Washington then released Haskins the following day. 

"To have two separate game plans, you're asking for way too much of your team," Rivera said of Heinicke's ability to play within Washington's offense. "That's why it's important to have quarterbacks that know your system, understand your system and have been a part of your system.

"I couldn't tell you whether we want to do it or don't want to do it. I couldn't tell you if there's value to doing it. I just know we'll address it when it happens."

The Buccaneers, meanwhile, will be without star linebacker and 2019 NFL All-Rookie Team member Devin White, who is scheduled to remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list through at least Sunday morning. White leads the Bucs with 140 total tackles and is second on the team with nine sacks. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.