Playoff Picture: COVID-19 hits Washington, Minnesota ahead of pivotal weekend

The road to the postseason has become clear for the Eagles — win out and you’re in.

However, the Eagles can clinch a playoff berth this weekend if the following happens:

• Win over Washington
• Packers win over Vikings
• 49ers win over Texans OR Saints lose to Panthers

The odds of this scenario occurring just increased due to the rampant COVID outbreak now hitting Washington and Minnesota.

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins has tested positive for the virus and is ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Packers. The team announced today that they are planning to activate QB Sean Mannion off the COVID-19/Reserve list, with rookie Kellen Mond serving as his backup. Cousins and Mond are both unvaccinated.

Vikings’ QB Kirk Cousins had symptoms, self reported and then tested positive.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 31, 2021

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For unvaccinated players, any close contact with an infected person results in an automatic five-day absence.

As for Washington, running back Antonio Gibson and left guard Ereck Flowers have both been placed on the COVID-19 list. Flowers has started in all 15 games this season.

Gibson has been a focal point of the offense for Washington in his second year, accounting for 1180 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns. With J.D. Mckissic on injured reserve, Washington is left with Jaret Patterson, Jonathan Williams and former Eagle Wendell Smallwood at running back.

The Washington Football Team placed RB Antonio Gibson on the COVID-19 reserve list.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2021

Mandatory Credit: Patrick McDermott | Getty Images