WFT To Sign QB Garrett Gilbert
The hits just keep on comin’. One day after placing Kyle Allen on the COVID-19 list, the Washington Football Team has done the same with quarterback Taylor Heinicke, per a club announcement. In desperate need of a signal caller, Washington has signed Garrett Gilbert to potentially start on Sunday against the Eagles. 
[RELATED: NFL Updates COVID-19 Protocols]
The NFL’s revised protocols could conceivably allow Heinicke and Allen to dress this week. But, with a little over 48 hours between now and kickoff, Washington had to act fast. Enter Gilbert, a 30-year-old journeyman with just seven pro appearances on his resume.
Gilbert’s lone start came with the Cowboys last year, a Week 9 loss to the Steelers. That too was a desperation move. Dak Prescott was injured, Andy Dalton was parked on the COVID-19 list, and youngster Ben DiNucci was coming off of a rough performance in Week 8. Gilbert finished the game 21-of-38 for 243 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
At 6-7, Washington still has a path to the playoffs. Their fate may rest in the hands of Gilbert or one of their practice squad QBs, either Kyle Shurmur or Jordan Ta’amu.
Browns To Sign QBs Kyle Lauletta, Jake Dolegala
The Browns are set to sign quarterbacks Jake Dolegala and Kyle Lauletta, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic (on Twitter). They’ll provide badly-needed insurance this week as Baker Mayfield and backup Case Keenum remain on the COVID-19 list.
[RELATED: Browns To Start Mullens At QB]
The Browns have upwards of 20 players on the COVID list, so there will be more moves to come. They’re currently expected to use Nick Mullens as their starter for tomorrow’s game against the Raiders with Dolegala and Lauletta in reserve.
Lauletta, who is being plucked from the Jaguars’ taxi squad, spent the summer with the Browns. To date, the 26-year-old has just two appearances on his resume, both with the Giants in 2018. Dolegala, 25, has never seen live action in the NFL.
The league’s updated COVID-19 protocols could allow Mayfield, Keenum, and other Browns players to suit up tomorrow. Of course, their availability will still hinge on their symptoms (or, lack thereof), vaccination status, and other factors.
NFL Updates COVID-19 Protocols
With scores of positive tests throughout the NFL, the league has updated it’s policy for COVID-19 cases. The full memo (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport) details updates to the protocols, including new — and faster — ways in which a vaccinated player can “test out” of quarantine.
“Throughout the pandemic we have continuously evolved our protocols to meet our goal of advancing the safety of players, coaches, and staff,” said the league in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon. “The changes we are maing today aim to address the increase in cases and the advent of the Omicron variant. Effective immediately, all clubs will implement preventattive measures that have proven effective: masking regardless of vaccination status, remote or outdoor meetings, eliminating in-person meals, and no outside visitors while on team travel. We will continue to strongly encourage booster shots as the most effective protection.
“Finally, and based on expert advice, we will adjust the return-to-participation requirements for those who have recovered from COVID-19. All of those changes are grounded in our data and science-backed approach, with safety our number-one goal for the entire NFL community.”
Previously, the NFL required players to test negative twice on back-to-back days before retaking the field. Now, a vaccinated and asymptomatic player will be eligible to return as soon as the day after one positive test. All the changes will be in effect through the end of Week 15 (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero), with the potential for more modifications as time moves on.
Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker III Enters NFL Draft
Kenneth Walker III is going pro. On Thursday, the Michigan State running back announced that he will forgo his remaining eligibility, skip the Peach Bowl, and enter the 2022 NFL Draft.
“It has been a true honor to represent Michigan State University and wear the Green and White,” Walker said in a statement. “I am beyond grateful to Coach Tucker and the entire staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to shine under their leadership. As the regular season has come to a close, I would like to announce that I have decided to forgo playing in the Peach Bowl to begin preparation for the NFL Draft.”
“I would like to thank God, my family, my teammates, fans and all my coaches over the years for helping me become the player and man I am today. I will forever be a Spartan Dawg.”
Walker, the nation’s second leading rusher, has amassed 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns this year off of 263 carries. His performance earned him sixth-place in Heisman voting and the Doak Walker Award, given to the country’s best collegiate RB. Walker was also crowned a unanimous All-American. Needless to say, he won’t last long come April. Dane Brugler of The Athletic has the 5’10”, 212-pound Spartan ranked as the No. 1 RB in the ’22 class, ahead of Texas A&M’s Isaiah Spiller and Iowa State’s Breece Hall.
Bengals Place Riley Reiff On IR
The Bengals have placed Riley Reiff on the injured reserve list, per a club announcement. In a related move, they’ve also placed cornerback Chidobe Awuzie on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Reiff, who just turned 33, has started in all 12 of his games for the Bengals this season. While he’s never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team, he’s been a solid protector for the Bengals, just as he has been throughout his career. He didn’t live up to his five-year, $58.75MM contract with the Vikings, but the Bengals were happy to pick him up this past spring. As of this writing, Pro Football Focus has him ranked as the 50th best tackle in the NFL out of 82 qualified players.
For now, Jonah Williams (PFF’s No. 22 ranked OT) will play with Isaiah Prince on the opposite side. The nature of the injury is not yet clear, but Reiff could potentially return after three weeks on the sidelines.
With a record of 7-6, the Bengals still have a 30% chance of making the playoffs and an 18% chance of winning the AFC North, per Five Thirty Eight. They’ll look to increase those odds this week — sans Reiff — with a win over the Broncos.
Lions’ T.J. Hockenson Done For Year
T.J. Hockenson‘s season is over. The Lions tight end underwent thumb surgery on Thursday morning that will rule him out for the remainder of 2021 (Twitter link via Adam Schefter of ESPN.com). He’ll be placed on injured reserve this week and focus on his recovery for 2022. 
[RELATED: Lions’ Jacobs Done For Year]
Hockenson isn’t a stranger to IR, having lost a chunk of his rookie season to an ankle injury. That year, he finished out with 32 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Then, last year, Hockenson tallied 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns across a full 16-game slate. This year, even as the Lions have slumped, the Pro Bowler has amassed a solid 61/583/4 line in 12 games.
“It’ll be fine,” Hockenson said last week, before today’s news broke (via the Detroit Free Press). “No worries here.”
Hockenson was Jared Goff‘s favorite target throughout the year. Now, the Lions’ offense will have to look elsewhere for support in the passing game. Life without Hockenson starts this Sunday against the Cardinals.
WFT Signs Akeem Spence
The Washington Football Team has signed defensive tackle Akeem Spence, per a club announcement. Meanwhile, they’ve also placed safety Kam Curl, center Keith Ismael, and center Tyler Larsen on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. 
Washington now has 21 players on the COVID-19 list, which could leave them severely shorthanded this Sunday against the Eagles:
- DT Jon Allen
- QB Kyle Allen
- CB Troy Apke
- DE William Bradley-King (practice squad)
- S Kam Curl
- LB Milo Eifler
- S Darrick Forrest
- CB Kendall Fuller
- TE Temarrick Hemingway (practice squad)
- LB Khaleke Hudson (also on IR)
- DT Matt Ioannidis
- C Keith Ismael
- C Tyler Larsen
- T Cornelius Lucas
- LB David Mayo
- TE Sammis Reyes
- DT Tim Settle
- WR Cam Sims
- DE James Smith-Williams
- DE Montez Sweat (also on IR)
- DE Casey Toohill
With that, it seems likely that Spence will see some playing time this week. If he does, it’ll mark the veteran’s first action of 2021. To date, he has 10.5 sacks and 204 total tackles across eight seasons in the league.
Updated 2022 NFL Draft Order
The Chiefs (9-4) and Chargers (8-5) are getting set to kick off Week 15 in a matchup that could decide the AFC West crown. Meanwhile, more than one-quarter of the NFL’s teams have either been mathematically or effectively eliminated from playoff contention.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2021 standings, plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. For playoff teams, the order is determined by their postseason outcome and regular season record. (Ex: Washington would own the No. 19 pick if they were eliminated in the Wild Card round with the worst record of the group.)
With that in mind, here’s a look at the currently projected 2022 NFL Draft Order:
1. Detroit Lions (1-11-1)
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-11)
3. Houston Texans (2-11)
4. New York Jets (3-10)
5. New York Giants (via Bears)
6. New York Giants (4-9)
7. New York Jets (via Seahawks)
8. Carolina Panthers (5-8)
9. Atlanta Falcons (6-7)
10. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins)
11. Philadelphia Eagles (6-7)
12. Minnesota Vikings (6-7)
13. New Orleans Saints (6-7)
14. Las Vegas Raiders (6-7)
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6-1)
16. Denver Broncos (7-6)
17. Cincinnati Bengals (7-6)
18. Cleveland Browns (7-6)
19. Washington Football Team (6-7)*
20. Buffalo Bills (7-6)*
21. Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts)*
22. Miami Dolphins (via 49ers)*
23. Los Angeles Chargers (8-5)*
24. Detroit Lions (via Rams)*
25. Baltimore Ravens (8-5)*
26. Dallas Cowboys (9-4)*
27. Kansas City Chiefs (9-4)*
28. Arizona Cardinals (10-3)*
29. Tennessee Titans (9-4)*
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-3)*
31. New England Patriots (9-4)*
32. Green Bay Packers (10-3)*
* = Playoffs
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/16/21
Today’s taxi squad moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Placed on COVID-19 list: RB Nate McCrary
Carolina Panthers
- Released: LB Josh Watson
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: CB Brian Allen, S Tedric Thompson
Houston Texans
- Placed on COVID-19 list: DB Cre’von LeBlanc
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: TE Colin Thompson
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed: CB Greg Stroman
New York Giants
- Signed: C Evan Boehm
New York Jets
- Activated from COVID-19 list: LB Noah Dawkins
Dolphins Place Jaylen Waddle On COVID-19 List
The Dolphins have placed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle on the COVID-19 list. With just a few days to go until Sunday’s game against the Jets, it’s unlikely that Waddle will be cleared in time to play.
[RELATED: Dolphins Add Damon Arnette To Practice Squad]
Thanks to a five-game winning streak, the Dolphins are still clinging to a chance of qualifying for an AFC Wild Card spot. A loss to the Jets would all but knock them out of contention. Waddle, the No. 6 overall pick in last year’s draft, has been a huge part of the Dolphins’ success this year. Over the last five games alone, he’s registered 38 catches for 436 yards and one receiving touchdown, plus one rushing TD for good measure. In total, the standout rookie has 86 grabs for 849 yards and five total TDs.
On the plus side, the Jets have struggled against the pass all year long. They’ve allowed an average of 254 yards per game through the air, the sixth highest total of any team in the NFL. (The Dolphins, with 245.5 passing yards allowed on average, rank fifth).
Without Waddle, the Dolphins would be left with DeVante Parker, Albert Wilson, Isaiah Ford, Preston Williams, and Mack Hollins at WR. You can also expect Tua Tagovailoa to target Mike Gesicki even more after his 7/46 showing against the Giants last time out.