The Washington Football Team decided Ryan Fitzpatrick was their best option at quarterback to open the 2021 season.
That experiment did not even last a full game as the veteran was knocked out in Week 1 with a hip subluxation injury.
The timetable was 6-8 weeks and the latest report is that he will avoid surgery, keeping open the possibility of returning later this season.
From NFL Now: After undergoing a battery of tests and seeking several expert opinions, Washington Football Team QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will attempt to rehab his hip without surgery for now, sources say. He’s expected to miss about 8 weeks. Taylor Heinicke into November, at least. pic.twitter.com/jSxIbu71j6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 16, 2021
Taylor Heinicke is now the leading man and will get a chance to show off what he can do Thursday night.
WFT In Interesting Hands
Heinicke was thrust into action during last year’s postseason and nearly led the Football Team to a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He threw for over 300 yards in the loss and proved he could use his legs to attack opposing defenses as well.
The return of Taylor Heinicke is tonight 👀pic.twitter.com/aWx51L2GGq
— PFF (@PFF) September 16, 2021
Heinicke has one career NFL start to his name and will obviously increase that total starting this week.
If all goes well, there is no reason why he should lose his job when Fitzpatrick is ready to return.
But if the veteran struggles, Washington may have to go to Kyle Allen or even consider outside options.
The hope for Ron Rivera and his 0-1 team is to get on the right track Thursday against the New York Giants.
Winning solves all and getting to .500 early in the season is key.
An Unfortunate Happening
It is truly a shame to see Fitzpatrick go down with such an injury when there was so much hope for success in 2021.
Washington made it clear they believed in him and did not pit him in some intense quarterback competition with a top rookie.
This was his team and the belief was he was good enough to pair with a great defense to get the Football Team back to the postseason.
Now, he is just trying to get healthy yet again to extend his already eventful NFL career.
We recently saw Fitzpatrick be forced out in Miami in favor of Tua Tagovailoa.
He expressed sadness when he was benched and 2021 provided a fresh start for him.
Yet he can still return later this season.
But if he does so and the team is on a huge losing streak, it will be another lost season for the well-traveled quarterback.
The good news here is that he is still getting $10 million this season.
That is a nice chunk of cash for a year of work.
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