Washington QB Taylor Heinicke placed on reserve / COVID-19 list after positive test result

[ad_1]

Another starting quarterback is heading to the reserve / COVID-19 roster.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported on Friday that Washington football caller Taylor Heinicke tested positive for COVID-19, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. The team placed the QB on the reserve / COVID-19 list.

With replacement Kyle Allen already on the reserve / COVID-19 list, Washington signs Garrett Gilbert from the New England Patriots practice squad, Rapoport added. The team announced the move later on Friday, as well as activating the Keith Ismael center off the reserve / COVID-19 list.

Heinicke’s news is a big blow to Washington, who is the NFC’s No.7 seed heading into Tuesday’s divisional game against the Philadelphia Eagles 6-7. Forced to start a save with little to no experience while trying to hold on to playoff positioning would make life difficult at DC

Kyle Shurmur, who has been on Washington’s practice squad this season, could be in line for the start if Heinicke and Allen cannot clear the COVID-19 protocol. The updated protocol the NFL announced on Thursday makes it easier for vaccinated players to test themselves and be allowed to play.

Gilbert has started at least one game, completing 55.3% of his passes for 243 yards, a touchdown and an INT last year with the Dallas Cowboys in a loss to Pittsburgh. The question is whether the 30-year-old could level up quickly enough. On the bright side, Gilbert previously worked with Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner in 2018 when both were members of the Carolina Panthers.

Along with Shurmur and Gilbert, Washington signed Jordan Ta’amu to the practice squad earlier this week.

Washington will likely wait as long as possible before naming a starter – and is hoping one of its two main options can be cleared in time.

[ad_2]