Taylor Heinicke clears protocol, expected to start Sunday

Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Heinicke clears protocol, expected to start for WFT Sunday

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 12/23/21

Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke has cleared COVID-19 protocol and is expected to start under center on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. The team announced his activation from the protocol on Thursday.

We have activated the following active roster and practice squad players off the Reserve/COVID List:
—QB Taylor Heinicke
—LB David Mayo
—TE Temarrick Hemingway pic.twitter.com/SJ6cjBIS6E
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 23, 2021

The 28-year-old signal-caller is expected back at practice on Thursday, ESPN said.

Heinicke was one of 13 players, including backup QB Kyle Allen, and seven assistant coaches to miss Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, which was postponed due to the high number of positive cases.

Even with Heinicke returning, WFT still has players in COVID protocol in addition to a long list of late-season injuries that had already depleted the team.

Washington signed Garret Gilbert from the Patriots' practice squad last week to start in place of Heinicke and Allen. Gilbert completed 20-of-31 passes for 194 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in the 27-17 loss.

WFT ends its regular season with three big NFC East matchups. After visiting the Cowboys this Sunday, they will host the Eagles in a rematch, before ending the season in New York facing off against the Giants.

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