It’s been a rough week for the Washington Football Team. With 21 plays on the reserve/COVID-19 list and a host of others injured, just having enough players to practice this week has been a challenge for Washington.
The most hard-hit position on Washington’s roster has been the defensive line. Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, Montez Sweat, Tim Settle, Casey Toohill, James Smith-Williams and William Bradley-King are all on the COVID list.
The NFL relaxed some of the rules for vaccinated players who are asymptomatic Thursday, but it’s unclear how it will impact Washington Sunday vs. Philadelphia.
One player on the current COVID list who could return on Sunday is Sweat. His 10-day quarantine ends on Saturday. Before Washington placed Sweat on the COVID list last week, he had spent a month on injured reserve with a fractured jaw.
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke to the media Thursday and was asked about Sweat potentially playing Sunday.
“It would obviously be a boost to get a guy like Montez back,” Del Rio said. “I know he’s working out; I’ve seen him via Zoom. I know he’s hopeful that that will occur, and we would love to see it. How many plays will he end up playing if he gets cleared and can play, I’m not sure. But yeah, I mean it would be a lift to get one of your better players back for sure.”
Del Rio was then asked if, from a conditioning standpoint, would Sweat be ready to play.
“Yes,” Del Rio responded.
Getting Sweat back would be a huge lift for Washington. But even though Del Rio said conditioning wouldn’t be an issue, you’d figure Sweat would be on a snap count. He hasn’t played since Week 8.
Next, Washington hopes for good news on Allen and some of the others.