Washington announced that three players had been activated from the Covid-19 list today, but none of them play quarterback. That means that newly acquired Garrett Gilbert is expected to get the call tonight against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gilbert was signed from the New England Patriots practice squad earlier this week.
He’s getting the start despite being with Washington for such a short time, for two reasons.
Firstly, he’s familiar with the system. He was with Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers in 2017 and 2018.
Secondly, he’s the only option available to Washington right now, that has at least a little bit of game experience.
He started one game for the Cowboys last year, a 24-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gilbert completed 21 of 38 passes for 243 yards. He had one touchdown and one interception.
He also played in five games for the Cleveland Browns in 2019.
Three Returning?
The three players that DID pass their Covid tests today and got re-instated, were Troy Apke, Tim Settle, and Sammis Reyes. Unfortunately Reyes is also in concussion protocol, and has been ruled out for the game.
With Kendall Fuller still on the Covid-19 list, Apke’s return will definitely help a depleted secondary.
More Moves
With Washington out of time before tonight’s clash, they elevated four players from the practice squad as Covid replacements. They are fullback Alex Armah, linebacker De’Jon Harris, tackle David Steinmetz, and quarterback Kyle Shurmur.
Shurmur has taken more snaps than any of the other quarterback incumbents, having been on the roster since Ryan Fitzpatrick went down. He could potentially see game action, but it would be his first regular season game action ever in the NFL.