That was an incredible story. While Tampa won, if you'd told me more than a few hours prior to the game, I would have thought Tampa would blow out Washington. Initially, I assumed Alex Smith would be ready, and Washington could win it. But the Heinicke story -- incredible!
Washington QB Taylor Heinicke makes case to 'be in this league a little longer' with effort vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (espn.com)
When Washington called in December, Heinicke was taking four math courses at Old Dominion University. It was finals week; he received permission to take two of the finals after the season.
Washington liked that Heinicke knew offensive coordinator Scott Turner's system, having played in the same one for two years with the Minnesota Vikings and for one with Carolina Panthers. That's when Heinicke got his only start prior to Saturday. He exited that game with an elbow injury that later required surgery. Durability has been a question for the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Heinicke.
He was released by Carolina in the final preseason cuts in August 2019 and spent the year out of football. He eventually signed with the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL but did not play in any of their five games. The end appeared near for the 2015 undrafted free agent.
(the rest of the story at the link has all sorts of well-deserved praise from his teammates)