Eagles Place Starting Wideout on COVID List Coming Off Bye Week

Eagles place starting WR on COVID-19 list coming off bye originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

As the Eagles return from their bye week, they are dealing with some COVID-19 issues.

The Eagles on Monday afternoon placed starting wide receiver Quez Watkins and practice squad running back Jason Huntley on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

If Watkins can’t play on Sunday against the Washington Football Team, this could be a significant loss for the Eagles. (The WFT is dealing with their own COVID issues too.)

Watkins, 23, earned a starting role during training camp and has been the Eagles’ second-most productive receiver this season after DeVonta Smith. Watkins in 2021 has 31 catches for 491 yards.

Rules are very different for vaccinated and unvaccinated players. If an unvaccinated player tests positive, he must quarantine for 10 days. If a fully vaccinated player tests positive, NFL rules allow him to return to the active roster if he has no symptoms for 48 hours and tests negative on two PCR tests taken at least 24 hours apart.

So if Watkins is vaccinated, there’s a chance he might still be able to play against Washington in Week 15.

This season, Watkins has played 633 offensive snaps, second among Eagles receivers behind just Smith (728). But his possible absence could mean more playing time for Jalen Reagor, who is having a disappointing second season. It could mean more playing time for guys like Greg Ward and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside.

The Eagles also have three receivers on their practice squad who could be elevated for this game if needed: John Hightower, Deon Cain and KeeSean Johnson.

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