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Washington is dealing with some pretty significant injuries on offense, and have made a few moves to reinforce their depth vs the Seahawks. Antonio Gibson was injured two weeks ago against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and missed last week's game after being diagnosed with a painful case of turf toe. He hasn't officially been ruled out for Sunday's game, but his doubtful designation, videos of him at practice Friday, and today's roster move make his status pretty clear.
We have elevated the following players from the practice squad:
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 19, 2020
-QB Steven Montez
-RB Michael Warren pic.twitter.com/nCocy5BZpx
Last week Washington elevated former Maryland RB Javon Leake from the practice squad for their away game against the San Francisco 49ers. This week former Cincinnati RB Michael Warren II will get his shot to make an impression on game day. Leake only played 6 snaps on special teams. J.D. McKissic and Peyton Barber split time at RB, and that will likely continue until Gibson returns.
The other major injury offense happened last week with starting QB Alex Smith. He didn't look comfortable, and was inaccurate when playing against the 49ers. He was eventually pulled and it was revealed he had a calf strain. The injury happened to his right leg, the same leg he broke two years ago and had 17 surgeries to repair. Any injury to that leg is going to be a concern. Smith had part of his calf removed while fighting severe infections that almost cost him his leg...and his life.
Alex Smith has been ruled out for tomorrow's game after not practicing all week. The team was hopeful he would play, but they will now tailor their offense to Dwayne Haskins Jr. who hasn't started since week 4. Haskins played the entire 2nd half last week, and went 7 for 12, 51 yards. Offensive Coordinator Scott Turner said they will tailor the offense to Haskins.
Washington made two depth moves at QB today, making both of their QBs in the practice squad available for gameday. Taylor Heinicke was signed to the main roster Nd will likely be Haskins backup tomorrow. He is familiar with Turner's system from his time with the Minnesota Vikings(2015-2016) and the Carolina Panthers(2018). Ron Rivera called him a smart football player this week.
Washington also chose to elevate Steven Montez from the practice squad. The team reportedly wants to develop the former Old Dominion QB this year. He has been with the team since being signed as an undrafted free agent, and will continue to be emergency depth.
We have made multiple roster moves:
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) December 19, 2020
-Signed QB Taylor Heinicke from the practice squad
-Released WR Jeff Badethttps://t.co/Vmpss00acF
Heinicke was with Scott Turner in Minnesota, and then Turner and Ron Rivera in Carolina.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 19, 2020
This is what Rivera said about him yesterday: https://t.co/IKJSrzPB6J pic.twitter.com/StS2ToYeeq
WR Jeff Badet was released to make room for Taylor Heinicke. He could be re-signed to the practice squad this week if he clears waivers and they want to continue developing him.
Washington also worked out TE Dylan Cantrell this week, and he could be added to the practice squad this week.
Former Texas Tech WR turned TE Dylan Cantrell (6-3, 240) has a visit with the Washington Football Team, which means he's probably signing to its practice squad.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 18, 2020
Was a 2018 6th-rd pick by LAC. Switched to TE when he rejoined Kingsbury, in AZ. Was most recently on NE's prac. sq.