Dwayne Haskins will replaced injured quarterback Alex Smith as the Washington Football Team (6-7) face the Seattle Seahawks (9-4) in a game with NFC playoff implications.
Washington are on a four game win-streak but their position is precarious, with a single game lead in the dismal NFC East.
Running back Antonio Gibson (toe) is also doubtful for the offense, already ranked 30th and without potential Comeback Player of the Year, Smith (calf).
Opening day starter Haskins returns against Seattle’s bottom-ranked pass defense, although Seahawks safety Jamal Adams is a threat, having just set the NFL record for sacks by a defensive back with 8.5.
Embed from Getty ImagesWashington’s fourth-ranked defense is without linebackers Cole Holcomb (concussion) and Kevin Pierre-Louis (ankle).
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson averages more rushing yards, 88.7 per game, against Washington than any other team.
Washington head coach Ron Rivera said in a press conference: “This is the kind of guy you want to keep in the pocket, you just can’t allow him to extend plays because if he does, he’s going to hurt you”
Seattle receiver DK Metcalf, second in the league with 1180 yards this season, is poised to surpass Steve Largent’s 1985 team record of 1287.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey have offensive linemen Phil Haynes (groin) and Jamarco Jones (groin), and running back Travis Homer (knee) out.
Defensive end Carlos Dunlap (foot), and right tackle Brandon Shell (ankle), are both questionable.
Seattle, tied atop the NFC West, likely need to win as the Los Angeles Rams play the winless New York Jets, who Seattle defeated 40-3 last week.
Predicted Score – Seattle 24-13 Washington
Sub-edited by Sam Carroll
Click here to read the latest edition of Onside Kick.
For more NFL content click here, and for more sports content click here.