Washington’s COVID-19 surge creates issues on defensive line

LANDOVER — The Washington Football Team will be without its two starting defensive ends in James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill as the two linemen were placed on the COVID-19 reserve list this weekend ahead of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys — creating serious issues upfront for the Burgundy and Gold. 

Chase Young and Montez Sweat, of course, were already out — meaning Washington will be without its top four defensive ends. Sweat, who tested positive Wednesday, Smith-Williams and Toohill are all on the reserve list. Smith-Williams was placed on the list Saturday, while Toohill was added Sunday. Young was lost last month to a torn ACL.

The team currently has five defenders on the COVID-19 reserve list. In addition to the linemen, cornerback Darryl Roberts and linebacker Khaleke Hudson were placed on the list over the past few days. 

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Without Smith-Williams and Toohill, Washington is expected to start Shaka Toney and Daniel Wise. William Bradley-King and Bunmi Rotimi are also active. Bradley-King was elevated from the practice squad because of the team’s virus issues. 

Here’s who is inactive Sunday for Washington:

—  Wide receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden

— Running back J.D. McKissic (concussion)

— Linebacker Jordan Kunazyk (hamstring)

— Wide receiver Dax Milne 

— Cornerback Corn Elder 

Linebacker Jamin Davis (concussion) and safety Landon Collins (foot), previously listed as questionable, are active for Washington.