In the wake of the Denver Broncos debacle, the Washington Football Team is being proactive by signing former Old Dominion star Taylor Heinicke to their practice squad. Heinicke will serve the role of Washington’s “quarantine quarterback,” according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.
Heinicke theoretically will be isolated from the rest of the team’s quarterback room to ensure Washington has an adequate option in case of a positive COVID-19 test at the position. Currently, the quarterback room consists of Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins and Steven Montez, who is also on the practice squad.
Washington’s precautionary move comes after of all four of the Denver Broncos quarterbacks were ruled ineligible to play this past Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Jeff Driskel tested positive for the coronavirus earlier in the week. The three remaining quarterbacks were deemed “high-risk” close contacts a day before the game, including starter Drew Lock. That forced Denver to start practice squad wide receiver Kendall Hinton at quarterback. NFL COVID-19 pre-screening protocols prevented Denver from turning to options outside of the organization in time for the game.
The Broncos lost the game 31-3. Hinton completed 1-of-9 passes for 13 yards and threw two interceptions.
Heinicke, 27, was the 2012 Walter Payton Award winner for the most outstanding offensive player in Division I Football Championship Subdivision. He spent time with four NFL teams since going undrafted in 2015. That includes the Carolina Panthers in 2018. In Carolina he was under the guidance of then-head coach Ron Rivera and QB coach Scott Turner. Rivera is currently Washington’s head coach and Turner is the team’s offensive coordinator.
Heinicke has appeared in seven games throughout his career, including a 2018 Week 16 start with the Panthers. Thus, he has familiarity with Washington’s offensive scheme that Rivera and Turner brought over from Carolina.
Washington is currently in the thick of a race for the NFC East division title. Washington’s 4-7 record equals the current division leader, the New York Giants. The Giants hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. Thus, each of Washington’s final five games are critical. Having a capable quarterback game-ready in case of a COVD-19 issue is imperative down the stretch.
