Does anyone remember the infamous “Body Bag Game” between Washington and the Philadelphia Eagles back in 1990? That was a Monday night game back on Nov. 12, 1990, at the old Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia.
Nine Washington players were injured in that game, including both quarterbacks, Jeff Rutledge and Stan Humphries. Washington already entered the game without starting quarterback Mark Rypien. So, Washington had to turn to a rookie running back named Brian Mitchell to finish the game at quarterback.
You’ve probably heard of Mitchell. He is one of the greatest return men in NFL history and a Washington legend. Mitchell played quarterback in college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana — now the University of Lousiana at Lafayette.
The Eagles won the game, 28-14.
Washington’s opponent this week happens to the Eagles — in Philadelphia. Why is this significant? Because this may be a “Body Bag Game” for Washington before the team ever touches down in Philly this weekend. Washington has several key injuries heading into Week 15, including wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel.
As the team returned to practice Wednesday, several notable players did not participate, including McLaurin, Samuel, center Keith Ismael and running back J.D. McKissic. Ismael is noteworthy because he’s Washington’s fourth center.
Here’s the full injury report for both Washington and Philadelphia.
Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/A6h5NDg2Hz
— Washington Football PR (@Wash_PR) December 15, 2021
Ok, those are just the injuries. Washington has 12 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list. And the names are notable. Jonathan Allen, Matt Ioannidis, Tim Settle, Kendall Fuller, Cornelius Lucas, Cam Sims and Montez Sweat are just some of the names on the COVID list.
Things don’t appear to be getting better anytime soon, as Washington has placed players on the COVID list every day this week.