LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. - Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion University's all-time leading passer, is on the verge of a return to the NFL.
Heinicke's agent Chris Cabott tells News 3 Taylor is currently undergoing COVID-19 testing protocols. Once the quarterback passes those, he'd be eligible to sign with an NFL team. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reports Heinicke is expected to be signed to Washington's practice squad. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner coached Heinicke in Carolina and Minnesota.
The Washington Post reports Heinicke will serve as Washington's "quarantine quarterback", and be involved in offensive game-planning but remain distanced from the other QBs on the roster to ensure there's at least one signal-caller eligible on game day.
However, shortly after the team made Heinicke’s signing official, multiple sources told News 3 Sports Director the Washington Football Team does not plan to utilize a “quarantine QB” - at least not now. Therefore, Heinicke is expected to report to the team facility and serve as Washington’s fourth quarterback.
Heinicke finished his ODU career in 2014 ranking third in FBS history in total offense; fourth in FBS with 132 touchdown passes; and sixth in passing yards. He's spent time with the Minnesota Vikings (2015-2017), New England Patriots (2017), Houston Texans (2017) and Carolina Panthers (2018-2019) in the NFL.
In 2018, under then-head coach Ron Rivera, he appeared in six games for the Panthers – completing 35 of 57 passes for 320 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. He's appeared in seven career NFL games.
UPDATE (December 8, 2020): It's now official. Washington signed Heinicke to its practice squad Tuesday.
