Washington Football Team quarterback Dwayne Haskins has apologised after he was pictured partying without wearing a mask in a strip club on Sunday.

Ron Rivera's team – who can clinch the NFC East title with a win over the Carolina Panthers combined with a New York Giants loss or tie this weekend – were beaten 20-15 by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15.

Haskins, the 15th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has struggled to cement his place as a starter but has played seven games in 2020 - including replacing the injured Alex Smith against the Seahawks.

Smith was absent with a calf strain as Haskins completed 38 of 55 passes for 295 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Photos subsequently emerged on social media of the 23-year-old in a strip club on Sunday evening, surrounded by partygoers.

Haskins was not wearing a mask, in a breach of the NFL's coronavirus protocol, which states that if players are to enter a club without personal protective equipment, it is considered "high-risk COVID-19 conduct".

A violation is punishable by a maximum fine of one week's salary or a suspension of up to four games. Earlier in the season, Haskins was fined for a previous COVID-19 protocol violation.

With his status for Week 16 in doubt, Haskins posted an apology to his Twitter account, which he subsequently switched from public to private.

"I want to publicly apologize for my actions this past Sunday," Haskins said. "I spoke with Coach Rivera yesterday and took full accountability for putting the team at risk. It was irresponsible and immature of me and I accept responsibility for my action.

"I also want to apologize for creating a distraction for my team during our playoff push. I will learn and grow from this and do what's best for the team moving forward."

NFL Network reports Washington have no plans to release Haskins, who has thrown for 1,285 yards, five TDs and five picks this season.

However, the team are said to be in contact with the league and handling the situation internally.