USATSI
The Commanders returned to Carson Wentz on Sunday, only for the quarterback to post a career-worst passer rating in a 24-10 loss to the Browns. After that, when asked if he would reevaluate the position depending on the results of the Packers game in Week 17 later in the day, coach Ron Rivera was unsure. But not because of anything related to the QB situation. Instead, Rivera expressed surprise at the idea that a Green Bay win on Sunday could even knock Washington out of playoff contention.
“If what happens at 4 o’clock gets you eliminated.” a reporter asked Rivera“Is Sam Howell an option?”
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The coach paused for a long time, then looked questioningly at the reporter before replying, “Could we be eliminated?”
After the reporter explained that a Packers win would put the Commanders out of contention for a wildcard spot, Rivera appeared to be trying to play off his confusion: “Ahh,” he replied.
The Packers (7-8) would have more wins than Washington (7-8-1) if they beat the rival Vikings on Sunday and could secure one of the NFC’s last wildcard spots by also taking the Lions would hit. The Commanders, meanwhile, will wrap up their regular season against the Cowboys in Week 18.
It remains unclear which QB could start this matchup; Rivera admitted after Sunday’s loss that he had considered benching Wentz again to replace Taylor Heinicke, but decided against it when Washington dropped two points and was expected to throw deep for the remainder of the contest. Howell, the team’s rookie third-stringer, has yet to take a snap this season.
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Rivera later clarified his post-game remarks: according to ESPNsaid that he was frustrated by the question and added that he didn’t know the Commanders could be eliminated because he thought they would win and he was only focused on what would happen if they did win.