The Washington Football Team has its starting quarterback back in the fold. On Thursday, the team announced it has activated Taylor Heinicke off the reserve/COVID-19 list, paving the way for his return to game action after he was forced to miss Tuesday's rescheduled contest against the Eagles due to a positive test. The team activated linebacker David Mayo and tight end Temarrick Hemingway off of the COVID list as well.
Washington was one of the teams hit hardest by this latest outbreak of the pandemic -- last Friday it had 18 active players on the COVID list -- and had to have its game with the Eagles moved to Tuesday after it was originally scheduled for Sunday.
Even by pushing that game out a couple of days, neither Heinicke nor backup quarterback Kyle Allen were able to test out of protocols, which forced the team to start Garrett Gilbert, who had been signed off the Patriots practice squad just two days prior. In the 27-17 loss to Philly, Gilbert completed 20 of his 31 passes for 194 yards.
Getting Heinicke back under center should make Washington much more competitive in Week 16 when they visit the Cowboys during "Sunday Night Football." Standing at 6-8 on the season, Washington will need to win out to have any shot at making the playoffs.
Heinicke had started every game for the Football Team since Ryan Fitzpatrick was injured back in Week 1. In his 12 starts, Heinicke was able to lead Washington to a 6-6 record while completing 66.5% of his passes and averaging 225.5 passing yards per game.
