Washington starts Gilbert vs. Eagles

The Washington Football Team was down to its third-string quarterback for Tuesday's pivotal NFC East clash.

Garrett Gilbert started against the Philadelphia Eagles after Taylor Heinicke and backup Kyle Allen were both unable to clear COVID-19 protocols in time.

Heinicke and Allen were placed on the reserve group Friday, forcing Washington to sign Gilbert from the New England Patriots' practice squad.

Gilbert's only other NFL start came last season for the Dallas Cowboys in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was 21 of 38 for 243 yards and one touchdown against one interception while adding 28 yards on the ground.

He becomes the second third-string quarterback to start in Week 15 after the Cleveland Browns had to play Nick Mullens in Monday's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders due to COVID-19 issues. Kyle Shurmur will act as Gilbert's backup.

The winner of the rescheduled divisional matchup will remain in the thick of the NFC wild-card hunt, while the loser will be on the precipice of elimination from postseason contention.