KYLE ALLEN

Jalen Hurts ran for two touchdowns and threw for another to help the Philadelphia Eagles come back from an early deficit and beat virus-ravaged Washington 27-17 in a critical showdown with NFC playoff implications.

Another 21 NFL players were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, including Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, cornerback Rashad Fenton and tight end Blake Bell.

(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) (Alex Brandon)Saints coach Sean Payton tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday and was immediately isolated from the team. Three Saints players — defensive end Cameron Jordan, running back Mark Ingram and receiver Ty Montgomery — did not play against the New York Jets on Sunday because of positive COVID-19 tests. In Week 2 of this season, the Saints were without numerous assistant coaches because of a virus outbreak, but Payton was not among those which tested positive. —Buffalo placed starting left tackle Dion Dawkins on the COVID-19 list, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday against Carolina. The Dolphins had three running backs on the COVID-19 list before Gaskin was cleared.

Cowboys Washington Football Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Landover, Md. Practice squad QB Kyle Shurmur would be in line to start if neither Heinicke nor Allen is available. Washington also signed Garrett Gilbert off New England's practice squad on Friday. Also Friday:—Buffalo placed starting left tackle Dion Dawkins on the COVID-19 list, leaving his status uncertain for Sunday against Carolina. The Dolphins had three running backs on the COVID-19 list before Gaskin was cleared.

The NFL has moved three games because of COVID-19 outbreaks: Las Vegas at Cleveland from Saturday to Monday; and Seattle at the Los Angeles Rams and Washington at Philadelphia from Sunday to Tuesday.

Maybe Baker Mayfield needed to follow the lead of Kareem Jackson.

APTOPIX Cowboys Washington Football Washington Football Team quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Micah Parsons (11) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Landover, Md. — (AP) — Micah Parsons sacked Taylor Heinicke twice and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown, helping the Dallas Cowboys make good on coach Mike McCarthy’s guarantee by holding on to beat Washington 27-20 Sunday and snap their rival's winning streak at four. The Cowboys staked themselves to such a big lead thanks to a big first-half showing by their defense. By far the biggest crowd to witness a Washington home game this season saw Heinicke get sacked four times and exit with a left knee injury. WASHINGTON'S THIRD QBWith Allen replacing Heinicke, Washington has now had at least three quarterbacks take a snap for the fourth consecutive season.

The Dallas Cowboys made good on coach Mike McCarthy’s guarantee by holding on to beat Washington 27-20 and snap their rival’s winning streak at four.

Ron Rivera opened Washington's training camp expressing frustration about a lack of vaccinations among players.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has agreed to sign a one-year deal with Washington, according to a person with direct knowledge of the move. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and cornerback William Jackson have agreed to sign with the Washington Football Team, according to a person with direct knowledge of the moves. The team now has Fitzpatrick, journeyman-turned-playoff standout Taylor Heinicke and coach Ron Rivera favorite Kyle Allen under contract at quarterback. AdJackson, 28, joins Washington after four seasons with the Bengals during which he recorded three interceptions in 59 games, including 48 starts. He replaces Ronald Darby, who left Washington after one season to sign a $30 million, three-year deal with the Denver Broncos.

Washington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke to an $8.75 million, two-year contract, Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)Washington re-signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke on Wednesday to a two-year, $8.75 million contract. Heinicke was out of football and taking college classes online when Washington signed him to the practice squad in December. “We all saw how Taylor Heinicke played in the playoff game,” executive vice president of personnel and football Marty Hurney said. Signed to be the “quarantine quarterback," Heinicke went 12 of 19 for 137 yards and a touchdown in that game.

Washington Football Team's Alex Smith plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Alex Smith is the biggest reason Washington became the first team in the Super Bowl era to start 2-7 and make the playoffs. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)If the Alex Smith story becomes a movie, Alex Smith doesn't want to see it. “When Alex Smith plays quarterback, they’re a heck of a football team,” Tampa Bay coach Bruce Arians said. "They’re an extremely well-coached team, a ton of talent on that defensive front, but Alex Smith is really the key to everything.”How is that possible?

Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins publicly apologized Tuesday after photo evidence came to light of him partying with several people unmasked after playing Sunday. Haskins said on Twitter he spoke with coach Ron Rivera and took full responsibility for putting the team at risk during the pandemic. “It was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept responsibility for my action,” Haskins said. Haskins got the start against Seattle essentially by default as the last healthy quarterback on the roster.

The unbeaten Pittsburgh Steelers wound up relatively healthy for their game against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals following a brush with the novel coronavirus. Defensive tackle Tyson Alualu is also back after missing a game with a knee injury. Cincinnati is without running back Joe Mixon, whose lingering foot injury is forcing him to miss a third game in a row. Receiver Cooper Kupp, left tackle Andrew Whitworth and running back Darrell Henderson all were active after missing practices with injuries. Raiders: T Kolton Miller (ankle), DT Maurice Hurst (ankle), QB Marcus Mariota, RB Theo Riddick, G John Simpson, DT Daniel Ross.

Washington Football Team running back Antonio Gibson (24) warming up before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. Jones absorbed contact on a blindside sack, held on to the ball and Logan Ryan intercepted Alex Smith not long after to seal a 23-20 victory against Washington. "That's been a focus of mine: I obviously know the importance of holding on to the ball," Jones said. Allen injured his left ankle late in the first quarter, forcing Smith into just his second NFL game since gruesomely breaking his right leg in November 2018. UP NEXTThe Giants host the Philadelphia Eagles in their second-last NFC East game this season, while Washington visits the Detroit Lions.

That means that going into tonight’s Saints-Buccaneers showdown, home teams are 65-65-1 so far this season. That homefield advantage has largely been erased with sparse crowds or no fans at games because of the coronavirus pandemic. Las Vegas though has taken control on its first two drives of the second half. Neither had started an NFL game, but both have been in the league much longer than DiNucci. The Tennessee Titans already lost left tackle Taylor Lewan for the season, and now they are without left guard Rodger Saffold.

In fact, the 38-year-old Judge barely had time to celebrate as the Giants rode a wild final four minutes, a decisive play by Mr. Irrelevant — scooped up a fumble and ran 43 yards for a touchdown to give New York a 20-13. Washington coach Ron Rivera rolled the dice and went for the win with a 2—point conversion. The only way to learn to win is to play to win. That’s what I want those guys to understand.”The stop allowed the Giants to avoid a second 0-6 start since 2013.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Landover, Md. Smith played his first NFL game 693 days since breaking his right tibia and fibula, entering when new Washington starting quarterback Kyle Allen injured his left arm. DONALD DOMINANT AGAINDonald took down Allen once and Smith three times to continue his monster start. Washington: Allen was cleared to return early in the third quarter, but Smith stayed in the game. UP NEXTThe Rams visit the 49ers next Sunday, while Washington is at the NFC East rival New York Giants.

Prescott was playing the Giants in the first visit of his former coach, Jason Garrett, now New York’s offensive coordinator. A week after giving up a franchise-record 307 yards rushing, the Cowboys allowed Devonta Freeman 20 yards on three carries. The Giants extended the lead to 14-3 when Kyler Fackrell returned an interception by Dak Prescott 46 yards for a touchdown. Atlanta cornerback Kendall Sheffield suffered a right ankle injury in the second quarter and was listed as questionable to return. Smith is one injury to Allen away from completing his remarkable comeback to play in an NFL game again.

Jones had been listed as questionable after missing practice throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Even so, the winless Falcons’ secondary gets a boost with safeties Keanu Neal (hamstring) and Ricardo Allen (elbow) returning from injuries. ___PHILADELPHIA AT PITTSBURGHEagles: TE Hakeem Butler; RB Jason Huntley, WR DeSean Jackson, WR Alshon Jeffery, CB Avonte Maddox, QB Nate Sudfeld, DE Casey Toohill. Falcons: S Jaylinn Hawkins, WR Julio Jones, CB A.J. Ravens: RB Justice Hill, WR Chris Moore, QB Trace McSorley, DT Broderick Washington, DT Justin Ellis, OL Tyre Phillips.

Rivera benched Haskins for Washington's next game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and turned to Kyle Allen as the new starter. That’s what I’m doing.”Alex Smith will back up Allen with Haskins inactive after not having enough time to learn a new system in his second year in the NFL. Rivera ended the Haskins experiment after a third consecutive loss in just his 11th pro start. “We gave him every opportunity,” Rivera said. Haskins completed 72 of 115 passing attempts, threw three touchdowns and three interceptions and was sacked 10 times during Washington's three game skid.

Teammates Andrew Wingard #42, Najee Goode #52 and Tre Herndon #37 of the Jacksonville Jaguars try to stop Curtis Samuel #10 of the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey set a franchise record with an 84-yard TD run and scored on a 5-yard run when he somersaulted into the end zone. Minshew finished 26 of 45 for 374 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for the Jaguars (2-3). It was the fourth time this season McCaffrey has recorded at least 175 yards from scrimmage. Smith received the biggest ovation and during his speech said he never thought he'd wear a Panthers jersey again.

Associated PressCHARLOTTE, N.C. - Eyes continue to be on Jacksonville Jaguars rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew as the team approaches the game in North Carolina against the Carolina Panthers at 1 p.m. Sunday. Minshew went in at quarterback during a Week 1 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs after Nick Foles was injured in the first half. The former Washington State quarterback has thrown for seven touchdowns, one interception and 905 yards. Kyle Allen will make the start at quarterback for Carolina. The second-year player has thrown four touchdowns and zero interceptions.