Smith's calf strain could force Washington to rotate QBs vs. Bucs

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera says he'll "look at" possibly rotating Alex Smith and Taylor Heinicke in Saturday's playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to Smith's calf injury, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.

Rivera clarified that in-game circumstances could determine if Heinicke gets playing time, Jhabvala adds.

Smith has been bothered by the calf ailment in recent weeks, missing two games before returning to play every snap in the Week 17 win-and-in matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Heinicke became the primary backup option after Washington cut former first-round pick Dwayne Haskins shortly before the conclusion of the regular season. The 27-year-old Heinicke threw for 137 yards and a touchdown in Week 16, his only appearance of the campaign.

Smith played a leading role in Washington's run to the playoffs, taking over after Kyle Allen was lost for the season due to injury. Smith, who's battled back from his own injuries, held a 5-1 record in starts in 2020.

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