The Washington Football Team has signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke from their practice squad, the team announced Saturday. Heinicke is expected to backup Dwayne Haskins in Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Alex Smith, who started the last five games for Washington, has been ruled out against the Seahawks with a right calf strain. Haskins will be making his first start since being benched ahead of Week 5.
Heinicke, 28, joined Washington’s practice squad on Dec. 8 and reportedly tabbed as the “quarantine quarterback.”
Heinicke has familiarity with both head coach Ron Rivera and offensive coordinator Scott Turner. He spent two seasons in 2015-2016 with the Minnesota Vikings where Turner was the quarterbacks coach. Heinicke then spent the 2018 season with the Carolina Panthers where Turner was once again the quarterbacks coach while under Rivera, who was the head coach.
Washington opting to sign Heinicke from the practice squad rather than just elevating him is peculiar. Especially since undrafted rookie Steven Montez has been with the team since training camp.
For his NFL career, Heinicke has appeared in seven games, including one start in 2018. He has completed 36-of-58 passes for 330 yards. He has one touchdown and three interceptions.
