Report: 'Real chance' Washington's Heinicke starts at QB vs. Bucs

There's a "real chance" Taylor Heinicke will be under center for the Washington Football Team's wild-card matchup Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Alex Smith's calf is still sore and hasn't loosened up, Rapoport adds.

The veteran signal-caller missed two games last month due to his calf injury before returning for last week's crucial tilt versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Tuesday he'll "look at" the possibility of rotating Smith and Heinicke against the Buccaneers. Heinicke took the majority of snaps in practice this past week.

Smith completed 68.7% of his passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions versus the Eagles. The 36-year-old posted a 5-1 record this season while tossing six scores and eight picks.

Heinicke made one relief appearance this season in Week 16, completing 12 of 19 pass attempts for 137 yards and one touchdown. The 27-year-old, who joined Washington in December, became the team's primary backup after the release of quarterback Dwayne Haskins.