Washington promotes TE Temarrick Hemingway from practice squad

Washington needed a third tight end for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Reserve tight end Marcus Baugh is out while dealing with a death in his family. Baugh, who has played 23.6% of Washington’s offensive snaps, was not with the team this week.

Hemingway joined the team’s practice squad last month, as the team parting ways with Hale Hentges. Hemingway spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams after being drafted in the sixth round in 2016. Last season he was on the Carolina Panthers practice squad under Ron Rivera, who is now Washington’s head coach.

His expected role for Sunday’s game is unclear. In the 13 games he has appeared in throughout his NFL career, Hemingway has played only 18 offensive snaps while playing 186 snaps on special teams.

Jeremy Sprinkle has been used sparingly on offense since Week 1, but, his blocking abilities may be more suited for Washington’s two-tight end sets with Baugh out. Additionally, Sprinkle had 26 catches, 241 yards and one touchdown in 13 starts last season. Sprinkle’s experience on offense could allow Hemingway to primarily play on special teams.