Redskins' Dwayne Haskins to Make 1st Career Start vs. Bills with Case Keenum Out
November 1, 2019
Washington Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins will make his first NFL start in Sunday's road game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field.
JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reported the update Friday and noted Colt McCoy will serve as the team's backup with Case Keenum still in the league's concussion protocol.
Haskins' professional career has gotten off to a sluggish start since the Redskins selected him with the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft.
The 22-year-old New Jersey native completed 55.2 percent of his 58 preseason attempts for 409 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He's made two relief appearances during the regular season, and he's yet to record a touchdown despite tossing four picks.
He said Wednesday he's changed some things over the first half of the season, though he didn't want to reveal the exact details of those alterations.
"I don't think it has nothing to do with this week. I just think it's a change in me," Haskins told reporters. "A lot of stuff [caused the change]. A lot of stuff. I'm just excited to keep working."
He added: "I get hyped every day I get to put a helmet on. Even more excited to put a first start on film, even more excited about it."
The Ohio State product, who compiled 50 touchdowns and eight interceptions for the Buckeyes last year, faces a major test in his first start.
Buffalo ranks third in both total defense and passing yards allowed amid its 5-2 start.
It's hard to predict how Washington, which owns a 1-7 record, will handle its quarterback situation moving forward. Typically, a team that's faded out of the playoff race would want to give its first-year signal-caller some on-the-job training down the stretch.
That said, some observers, including Bleacher Report's Mike Tanier, have argued keeping him on the bench could be the best way to avoid hindering his development amid a dysfunctional season.
His performance against the Bills, a game followed by the team's Week 10 bye, will likely play a key role in determining how much playing time he sees in the season's second half.