Ron Rivera Presser: Dan Snyder understands there are some things that have to be done

Washington's first injury report of the week:

DNP
RB Antonio Gibson (toe)
QB Alex Smith (calf)
WR Terry McLaurin (ankle)
LG Wes Schweitzer (hip)
LB Thomas Davis Sr. (knee)
DL Jonathan Allen (non-injury)

LIMITED
LB Kevin Pierre Louis (ankle)
DL Tim Settle (shoulder)

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera on Terry McLaurin (high-ankle sprain): "We'll see. Terry did a little work with the trainers off to the side, and we'll see how he is the next morning.'

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith officially listed as DNP today.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 30, 2020

Rivera says the team wants to see improvement in Alex Smith otherwise theyll give Taylor Heinicke all the reps at practice

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera said he still believes QB Alex Smith can play on Sunday even if he doesn't practice this week.

"Veteran players, specific guys like him, they can watch, they can absorb and go out and play well."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

Rivera said Taylor Heinicke has been in the offensive system before, which helped him against the Panthers last Sunday. That experience, along with more practice reps, will come in handy if he has to play against the Eagles.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Rivera said Heinicke "really did" surprise him by the way he played against the Panthers. He was impressed with the way Heinicke was able to retain information, especially with limited reps.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera said @WashingtonNFL initially signed Taylor Heinicke mostly because of his familiarity with the offensive system. He worked with Scott Turner in Minnesota (2015-2016) and in Carolina (2018).

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Rivera said Heinicke is very competitive. He takes it seriously, and that's something the players look for and feel in his skillset.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Asked if this team would be in this position - win the division - without Alex Smith, Rivera said... probably yes if Kyle Allen remained had healthy...

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera on QB Dwayne Haskins: "I made a decision that I just felt on Monday that was the right decision going forward. I informed the owner ... he was supportive, and I felt it was in the best interest of both parties moving forward."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

Rivera on releasing Haskins: "I felt it was time to make the move and just decided to take advantage of the opportunity .... to go in a different direction... I informed the owner of my decision and he was supportive. It's something I felt we had to do."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera on several decisions he made to establish his culture, including Dwayne Haskins, Trent Williams, Quinton Dunbar: "The biggest thing more than anything else is Mr. Snyder being supportive. He understands there are some things that have to be done."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera: We got a lot of guys that get it

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera on how this week feels with the release of QB Dwayne Haskins and the win-or-go-home game Sunday: "I don't think anything's been normal this year."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

Rivera said he is "fired up" about Sunday. Washington is in position to win the NFC East, which he attributes to the players and the work they put in to win the division.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Rivera is not worried about Sunday's being too big for the players. They handled themselves well against the Steelers and Cowboys on Thanksgiving, he said.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera notes that when @WashingtonNFL was 2-7, it had to win to stay in the NFC East race. But then after the team won four in a row, Rivera said it started "kind of just floating along."

After two losses, Rivera is intrigued to see how the team responds to needing to win.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Rivera on this season: "I don't think anything's been normal this year, I really don't... Pretty fired up to be in this position... .tribute to who are guys are; very resilient... It's a reflection of the way these guys approach things."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera says Jalon Hurts is a good decision maker with a good arm. He's got the intangibles you look for in a QB, says that Washington liked Hurts in the draft

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2020

Rivera said Jalen Hurts is a good decision maker and the players rally around him. He already has those intangibles, and Rivera thinks he has an opportunity to grow. Reminds him of Russell Wilson.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Ron Rivera said Eagles QB Jalen Hurts reminds him of Russell Wilson.

Rivera highlighted how Hurts played a lot of college football and played at a high level.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Scott Turner on Taylor Heinicke: "I thought he did a nice job..."

"The ball came out on time"

"Overall, with not a lot of work -- I thought he fared well."

— Washington Football On SI.com (@WSHFootballSI) December 30, 2020

Offensive coordinator Scott Turner addressing the media now. Says QB Taylor Heinicke did a nice job finding some holes to throw and pushing the ball down field vs. Carolina. Also liked that the ball was coming out on time.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Scott Turner on Taylor Heinicke: "He's a smart guy. ...He was taking some classes that I don't even understand."

The courses Heinicke is taking at ODU: partial differential equations, applied numerical methods, mathematics in nature & number theory & discrete mathematics

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Turner says Heinicke being math friendly does not equal even greater familiarity with the number based system for #WashingtonFootball https://t.co/zSi8cj4uz7

— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 30, 2020

It's clear Scott Turner believes in Taylor Heinicke. When Turner was in Minnesota, he was intrigued with Heinicke, so he flew out to his ODU pro day. Heinicke ended up signing with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2015.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

OC Scott Turner says the first game vs the Eagles seems like 5 years ago the way the season has gone. I'd agree, coach. Let's extend our season and get to 2021 already! #WashingtonFootball

— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) December 30, 2020

#WashingtonFootball -- On Logan Thomas -- says they aren't giving away anything on the direct snaps ...It's about execution. https://t.co/vsfkbeEAO9

— Chris Russell AKA The Rooster (@Russellmania621) December 30, 2020

Scott Turner says Antonio Gibson can handle a heavier workload this week. Sounds like the OC wanted to give Gibson plenty of touches against Carolina but WFT fell behind and, welp.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 30, 2020

Washington OC Scott Turner said he was impressed with Antonio Gibson on Sunday and wanted him to get more carries. Turner says being down 3 scores dictated going to the pass game in 2nd half

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2020

OC Scott Turner said "it's a shame" about Antonio Gibson only getting 10 carries vs. the Panthers. Washington had to turn to the pass game because it was down by 3 scores entering the second half. That's why Gibson got 8 carries the 1st quarter and 2 the rest of the way.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith updated the media on his injury.

: https://t.co/e7uOv7Ax99 pic.twitter.com/i1cLJWhCUO

— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith (calf) on how he felt out there today: "It felt good today. It was kind of planned as far as the way we did things. ...I felt like it was a positive."

Sounds like him not practicing was part of the plan.

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith talking -- says it's been frustrating and trying to get better everyday "Especially this week with everything on the line." You know he'll go if he can. #WashingtonFootball

— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith says he is not "losing sleep" over possible rainy weather Sunday night in Philly.

"Doing everything I can to get it right and be ready to roll."

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith says Taylor Heinicke has "fit right in" since he signed with Washington and his level of play Sunday night "was really impressive"

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith on playing last week: "I felt really close. Certainly I got a lot in on Friday and that was my mindset all week was just trying to be open and honest with everybody in the decision making process. ... Yeah, really close. Right on the doorstep of it."

— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) December 30, 2020

QB Alex Smith on the team's decision to release Dwayne Haskins: "Tough to have much time to reflect at this point in the season. ... Obviously wish Dwayne well as he moves forward. For us right now and where we're at, all eyes on this game."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

Alex Smith said there is not a specific hurdle that he has to cross to feel good about playing Sunday night.

"It's an all-encompassing kind of thing."

— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) December 30, 2020

"Once you step out on that field you better hold up your end." -- Alex Smith

— Julie Donaldson (@juliedonaldson_) December 30, 2020

J.D. McKissic is addressing the media. He could tell Heinicke knew the offense and thought he played well.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

McKissic said the team knows it can't start slow every week. They need to finish drives and avoid small mistakes that kill momentum.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

RB J.D. McKissic: "We've been a second-half team all year -- and that's what gets you beat."

He added, "The offense, we got to start early. When I say start early, I just mean finishing drives. ... We know what we need to do. It's just about doing it."

— Sam Fortier (@Sam4TR) December 30, 2020

McKissic can tell his teammates are "laser focused" on getting ready for Sunday. If there's any talking on the practice field, it's all about football.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

McKissic on Haskins' move/how it affected the locker room: "Dwayne knows what he's got to get better at, what he's got to do... Only thing we can do is push forward; can't think about the past. We have to get ready for Sunday. Wish Dwayne the best."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 30, 2020

Steven Sims Jr. is addressing the media. He said he's used to not knowing who will be playing quarterback. Like every other position, it's next man up.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Sims said playing on Sunday Night is not different from playing on Monday night and Thursday night, both of which they have played before. Says they will be ready or Sunday.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Sims on Ron Rivera: He's everything you want out of a coach.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Thomas Davis is addressing the media. He's known for a long time to that this season would be his last. Davis announced on IG that Sunday's game would be his last regular season game.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Thomas Davis said entering the season he knew this would be the end of his impressive career. Said this was different than his previous years because he hasn't been able to contribute per usual. Sees the culture change though under Rivera. pic.twitter.com/VbGxm4cSXb

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 30, 2020

Davis originally announced his retirement in 2018 but changed his mind. The past two years have given him a different perspective on the NFL. Being able to help the young players learn has been a blessing.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Thomas Davis said he's "110% sure" about retirement this time. Said he doesn't know for sure what he'll do post-football but would welcome a career in broadcasting to stay close to the game.

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 30, 2020

Davis has seen the culture in Washington change in a lot of ways. A lot of players have bought into the the message Rivera was giving them. Once that happened, you could see the maturation process occur faster.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Davis said Rivera is a high energy coach. He knows what it's like to be in the trenches, and he coaches that way. He emphasizes playing hard in practice to his players.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Thomas Davis, calling in from outer space, says he sees a bright future for Washington in the coming years. pic.twitter.com/H8wVHRIYoQ

— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) December 30, 2020

Davis said the trajectory Washington is on is similar to what he experienced in Carolina. With the players buying in, he can see a bright future for the team.

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Davis on if Washington is on similar trajectory as Carolina under Rivera: "Very similar. Guys on this team have definitely bought in to everything coach Rivera has been teaching. Once you have that, you have a smooth transition.... You'll see a lot of success around here."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 30, 2020

Davis said being with Rivera in his final season was a driving factor in signing with Washington. He had three teams interested in him, and when he saw the chance to sign with Washington, it was a "no-brainer."

— Zach Selby (@ZachDSelby) December 30, 2020

Thomas Davis was the first pro athlete to come back from a third torn ACL. He reflected on that before what is potentially his last NFL game. Will likely be a Hall of Fame finalist. From there? Who knows. pic.twitter.com/w8YxYm3C0G

— michael phillips (@michaelpRTD) December 30, 2020

As evidenced by the shoes he plans to wear Sunday for his last regular-season NFL game, @ThomasDavisSDTM takes pride in how he overcome injuries (including 3 ACLs) throughout his career.

He got emotional when talking about it today ... pic.twitter.com/G0dPOVqKxb

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 30, 2020

Davis said of overcoming 3 Torn ACLs in his career: "As a player you can overcome anything as long as you put your mind to it."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 30, 2020

Big picture perspective.. Thomas Davis, Sr., said of message sent by Haskins' release: "If you have a 1st round pick released after two years, then anybody is susceptible. You have to make sure you're doing the right things, doing what's asked of you and making good decisions."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 30, 2020