Ron Rivera explains why James Smith-Williams was deactivated despite being cleared of COVID

The Washington Football Team was decimated by an COVID-19 outbreak. One of the team’s position groups hit the hardest was the defensive line. Seven defensive linemen landed on the reserve/COVID-19 list in the past week, including defensive end James Smith-Williams.

Fortunately, all seven were cleared from COVID-19 protocols in time for Tuesday’s rescheduled game against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, Smith-Williams was among the inactives for the game.

Following Washington’s 27-17 loss, Washington head coach explained that Smith-Williams’ asthma “kicked up” prior to the game, per ESPN’s John Keim.

Rivera added the team didn’t want to chance him and elected not to play him.

Down two defensive linemen — defensive tackle Tim Settle also didn’t play — Washington was gashed for 238 rushing yards by the Eagles.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said Washington was “embarrassed” but he wasn’t going to blame COVID-19 for the loss.

Smith-Williams started four games after Montez Sweat fractured his jaw in Week 8. Smith-Williams collected two sacks along with 25 tackles and four quarterback hits.

However, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to Washington’s Week 14 game against the Dallas Cowboys. It’s unclear what sparked it, but his asthma’s flare up was concerning for Washington to keep him out of Tuesday’s game. 

Hopefully, he will be okay and healthy to return to the field soon.