The Washington Football Team’s COVID-19 outbreak is getting worse by the day. On Friday, starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke tested positive for COVID-19, according to multiple reports.
Heinicke becomes the 22nd known player to be added to Washington’s COVID-19 list that also includes backup quarterback Kyle Allen. That wipes out the top two quarterbacks on their depth chart.
Washington is signing former Dallas Cowboys backup Garrett Gilbert for reinforcement. They added former XFL quarterback Jordan Ta’mu earlier in the week.
As it stands Kyle Shurmur is expected to start at quarterback for Washington in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Shurmur has been on Washington’s practice squad since Sept. 13.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter says Gilbert could be in line to start, as Washington won’t name a starter until pre-game Sunday.
It’s worth noting, Gilbert spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons with the Carolina Panthers while Washington head coach Ron Rivera was the head coach in Carolina.
This is as disastrous as it can get for Washington. Heinicke was banged up with elbow and knee injuries after last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. However, with Allen going on the COVID list early in the week, Heinicke was pushing through soreness.
