Commanders QB decision looming with playoff hopes on brink

Has the magic of Taylor Heinicke run out? The answer is to be determined.

After the 37-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera addressed the quarterback situation moving forward.

“We’re gonna evaluate the tape,” Rivera told reporters. “We’ll talk about those things, and I’ll make a decision next week. And I’ll make it early, too, because whoever’s gonna start is gonna get the chance to work.”

According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Rivera’s decision should be announced by Wednesday morning before Washington’s first practice of the week.

With a record of 7-7-1, if Washington wins their last two games, they’re in the playoffs. But a loss could find them on the outside looking in. The Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, and Detroit Lions are each 7-8. Therefore next week against the Cleveland Browns and their Week 18 finale against the Dallas Cowboys are must-wins.

Heinicke got pulled in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s blowout loss to the 49ers following back-to-back turnovers.

Carson Wentz, who started Washington’s first six games, replaced Heinicke, trailing 30-14. Then, Wentz led the Commanders on a touchdown drive, finding Curtis Samuel in the end zone.

But the 49ers tacked on another touchdown to put the game away.

Against the 49ers, Heinicke had one of his most efficient games, completing 13-of-18 passes along with two touchdowns. Yet, the game unraveled in the fourth quarter.

49ers defensive end Nick Bosa beat Commanders right tackle Cornelius Lucas before stripping the football out of Heinicke’s grasp. 49ers defensive end Jacob Willis recovered the loose ball for the turnover.

After Washington’s defense held the 49ers to a field goal, Heinicke threw an interception right at defensive back Jimmie Ward for his second turnover.

Heinicke slammed his helmet on the sidelines after talking briefly to Rivera.

“When the game got to where it was, the last thing we wanted was for them to tee off on [Heinicke],” Rivera said.

It was the second straight week Heineicke turned the football over in multiple crucial moments.

Rivera planted the seeds of an eventual quarterback change last week leading into the 49ers game. Rivera acknowledged he would have to evaluate the situation with Wentz back at “some point.”

The point got accelerated Saturday as the Commanders needed a spark. Rivera now has to decide which quarterback he will go with on Sunday when the Commanders face the Cleveland Browns.

Wentz missed eight games with a broken finger. Heinicke was tabbed the starting quarterback. Wentz got activated from injured reserve last week but backed up Heinicke.

Washington’s playoff hopes hinge on better quarterback play. Heinicke had the reins for the last nine games. His production has been too inconsistent to cement him as the starter for the rest of the season.

Wentz’s play was not thrilling as the starter before he broke his finger and landed on injured reserve. The Commanders gravitated to Heinicke. They followed his lead, winning five of six games before tying with the New York Giants.

But the magic of Heinicke has seemingly run low. Back-to-back losses to the Giants and 49ers have opened the door to Rivera turning back to a now healthy Wentz.

Heinicke has 13 total touchdowns with 11 turnovers in nine games. Wentz has 11 touchdowns and seven turnovers in seven appearances.

Whether it’s Heinicke or Wentz, the Commanders' season will be shaped by Rivera’s decision.