Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera met with the media Tuesday, and the first question he received was about the quarterback position.
Would it be Taylor Heinicke or Carson Wentz starting Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns?
Rivera isn’t ready to name the quarterback — yet.
“Nope,” Rivera said when asked if he had made a decision. “We’ve got meetings today that we’re gonna finish up, and then we’ll talk to the players tomorrow, and then we’ll go from there.”
Rivera knows who he will start in Week 17. It doesn’t make sense to tell the opponent one day sooner than you need. By all indications, Rivera wants to tell Heinicke and Wentz his decision first, and then he will tell the team before it comes out in the media.
What will factor into Rivera’s decision?
“Well, I just wanna make sure I’ve got an opportunity to speak to everybody before I make a decision,” Rivera said. “I wanna make sure I’ve got all the thoughts and ideas and concepts, and again, at the end of the day, the decision’s gonna be made based on what I believe is best for us going forward. What I think gives us the best opportunity right now. That’s what this is really about.”
Wentz is widely expected to be named the starter for the final two regular-season games. For one, his arm strength opens up more possibilities in the offense. The Commanders would love to open up more opportunities for their excellent wide receivers. Washington now has a running game it didn’t really have in Wentz’s first six starts, which should help him.
There is also the possibility Rivera decides to stay with Heinicke. He was playing well against the 49ers in the first half and his two turnovers in the fourth quarter weren’t necessarily his fault, according to former Washington head coach Jay Gruden.
Everyone will know soon — likely by Wednesday.
