Garrett Gilbert, of all people, could end up owning the historical quote that frames for future generations what the 2021 NFL playoff push was like when a persistent pandemic started running up the score on its reserve/COVID-19 list.
"I think it's next, next, next man up," said the 30-year-old journeyman quarterback before adding that he actually didn't know, "How many 'nexts' " are needed to describe these unprecedented times.
Gilbert became the leading example of uncertainty on a Thursday night before Week 15.
He was giving his daughter a bath somewhere near Foxborough, Mass. His wife interrupted with news that her husband, a practice squad player with the Patriots, had 25 or so messages from the Washington Football Team.