Alex Smith’s ongoing calf injury will deter him from starting Saturday night’s game play against the Buccaneers. Consequently, Taylor Heinicke will start in Smith’s place. Per Adam Schefter from ESPN, Smith will be inactive for Washington.
Smith missed two games after suffering the injury during the 49ers’ victory in Week 14 in Washington. He returned for Sunday’s clash with the Eagles, which he must win. While throwing two interceptions, Smith also throws two touchdowns as he goes 22 of 32 through the air in Washington’s 20-14 victory. Smith was the frontrunner to win Comeback Player of the Year, and he played 5-1 as the starting lineup of the football team this season.
Heinicke, a four-year veteran who made his debut during Washington’s Week 16 defeat to the Panthers. Playing in relief of former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins, Heinicke scored 12 of 19 for 137 yards with a knockout. Heinicke compensated for his lack of representatives in the game by getting the chance to play against rookie passer Rusher Chase Young in practice.
“I love Chase Young,” Heinicke said of the rookie, who had 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumbles during the regular season. “If I look at all the teams I was with, there has never been a rookie who has taken the reins as he has … He will be a problem in this league for a long time to come.”
Washington’s offense will face a Tampa Bay defense that finished eighth in the NFL, 21st in passing, first in rushing, 14th in third efficiency, and 20th in the efficiency of the NFL. red zone. The Buccaneers’ defense will be without linebacker Devin White, who is on the team’s reserve / COVID-19 list.