WFT to start Garrett Gilbert at QB vs. Eagles

Garrett Gilbert (3) Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Football Team to start Garrett Gilbert at QB vs. Eagles

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/21/21

Despite having an extra two days, Washington Football Team starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke and backup signal-caller Kyle Allen have been unable to clear the NFL's COVID-19 protocols. That means it'll be fourth-year journeyman Garrett Gilbert under center for Washington when it takes on the Philadelphia Eagles at 7 p.m. ET Tuesday in a crucial Week 15 NFC East clash.

Now official: Washington QBs Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen didn’t clear COVID protocols and are out for tonight’s game, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. It’ll be Garrett Gilbert against the #Eagles.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 21, 2021

The Football Team has been one of the most hard-hit teams by COVID-19 in the last week-plus, as there were already 21 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list at the end of Thursday. On Friday, Heinicke and others were added to the group, and Gilbert was signed to the squad.

It was announced on Friday afternoon that the Washington-Philadelphia game originally scheduled for Sunday had been moved to Tuesday.

Heinicke has played in all 13 games for the Football Team since taking over early in Week 1 for the injured Ryan Fitzpatrick. He has compiled a 66.5% completion percentage for 2,931 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while adding 55 carries for 297 yards and one touchdown.

Gilbert has played in seven games over his three-year NFL career, making one start. He has gone 23-for-44 for 283 yards with one touchdown and one interception between his time with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys.

The Football Team and Eagles are tied at 6-7 entering their meeting and just outside of the current NFL playoff bubble.

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