The Patriots will likely have one fewer quarterback at their disposal to close the season. Garrett Gilbert has been signed off the Patriots’ practice squad by the Washington Football Team, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Washington found itself needing a quarterback after its starter Taylor Heinicke tested positive for COVID on Friday morning. With backup Kyle Allen also on COVID-reserve, and Ryan Fitzpatrick out for the season, Gilbert is now the only QB on Washington’s active roster, and is ‘in line to start Sunday against Philadelphia’ according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They also have Kyle Shurmur and Jordan Ta’amu (who was signed on Wednesday) on the practice squad.
Gilbert had been on the Patriots’ practice squad since Week 1 of this season. New England signed him after he was let go by the Dallas Cowboys during final roster cuts. He didn’t appear in any games for the Patriots.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are left with three quarterbacks, all on the active roster in Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, and Jarrett Stidham. The team currently has one open spot on the active roster, and three spots on the practice squad.