The Washington Football Team has officially announced its starting quarterback for tonight’s rescheduled matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite two extra days of recovery time, QB1 Taylor Heinicke and backup Kyle Allen were unable to clear COVID-19 protocols.
As a result, recently acquired quarterback option Garrett Gilbert will take over as the team’s starting signal caller in tonight’s contest. Gilbert was picked up off the New England Patriots’ practice squad on Friday in response to a wave of positive COVID-19 tests.
Second-year QB Kyle Shurmur, who’s never appeared in an NFL game, will serve as Gilbert’s primary backup.
#Washington QB Garrett Gilbert, who was on the Patriots’ practice squad a week ago, will start against the Eagles tonight with Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen on the COVID list. #WASvsPHI
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) December 21, 2021
Shurmur has been with the Washington organization since September, giving him more experience with the team’s offensive scheme. But, it’s Gilbert’s in-game NFL experience that ultimately landed him the start.
Since entering the league as a sixth-round draft pick for the Rams in 2014, Gilbert has seen time in seven NFL contests. Last season, he notched his first career start for the Dallas Cowboys — logging 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 21/38 passing.
Both at 6-7 on the year, Washington and Philadelphia currently trail the New Orleans Saints and Minnesota Vikings for the seventh and final spot in the NFC playoff race.
Tonight’s game will kickoff at 7 p.m. ET. in Philadelphia.
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