Fitzpatrick injury paves way for fan favorite QB Heinicke

Ryan Fitzpatrick waved to the crowd as he hobbled off the field, and the cheers of appreciation soon turned to boisterous chants of “Heinicke! Heinicke!”

Fitzpatrick injured his right hip midway through the second quarter of his Washington debut, and surprise playoff star Taylor Heinicke came on in relief. Even though Washington lost 20-16 to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, the starting quarterback job could now belong to Heinicke after the fan favorite completed 11 of 15 passes for 122 yards and a touchdown.

“I’m always excited — it’s just unfortunate that it happened due to an injury,” Heinicke said. “Biggest thing is going out there with some confidence. I go out there and try and play freely.”

Heinicke showed off some of the improvisational skills that helped Washington put a scare into Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wild-card round last season.

Washington coach Ron Rivera did not have an update on Fitzpatrick after the game and hopes to know more about the 38-year-old’s status Monday.

“He gave it us (his) all every day,” said tight end Logan Thomas, who had been developing chemistry with Fitzpatrick throughout training camp. “Leader of our team, and obviously he’ll be missed.”

This was supposed to be the latest stop on the Fitzmagic tour, the ninth team Fitzpatrick has started for in his 17-year NFL career. But he made it only a quarter and a half before the hit from L.A. edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu while letting go of the ball.

Other injuries:

Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was carted off the field in a 27-13 win over the Giants with a high ankle sprain.

San Francisco running back Raheem Mostert and cornerback Jason Verrett both injured a knee in the 49ers’ 41-33 win at Detroit.

Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah left with an injury that coach Dan Campbell thought could be his Achilles tendon.

Cleveland left tackle Jedrick Wills injured an ankle in the Browns’ 33-29 loss at Kansas City.

Jets left tackle Mekhi

Becton left in the third quarter of a 19-14 loss at Carolina with a knee injury. Punter Braden Mann (knee), safety Lamarcus Joyner (elbow) and linebackers Jamien Sherwood (ankle) and Blake Cashman (hamstring) were also hurt.

Arizona offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum left early in a 38-13 win at Tennessee with a rib injury.