Washington Redskins: Who Will QB the Team in Donovan McNabb's Absence?

Mal SullySep 1, 2010

According to many sources, including head coach Mike Shanahan, Donovan McNabb is still questionable for the season opener against Dallas.

While many of you may be surprised, I am not.

McNabb is injury-prone, but I didn't think it would happen this early in the year. While his injury is "minor", he still does not know if he will make it to Day 1.

Shanahan said,"We will take it day by day." I don't know if that is a smoke screen or not, but what if Donovan McNabb does miss the season opener?

I am going to examine the Redskin's quarterbacks, starting with...

Rex Grossman: The No-Surprise Step-In Starter

1 of 4

The free-agent addition Grossman is undoubtedly the step-in starter if McNabb misses the opener.

Rex Grossman still "sucks" to many, but remember that four years ago, in his only full year as a starter, he led the Chicago Bears to a 13-3 record and the Super Bowl, throwing for 23 TDs but also a whopping 20 interceptions.

He played under Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan last year, and it looks like he learned a lot because he has been impressive so far in the preseason.

If McNabb does miss Game 1, Grossman will be able to handle the offense well.

Richard Bartel: The Undrafted Traveler

2 of 4

The undrafted traveler of '07 is the favorite to win the 3rd-stringer spot.

Richard Bartel was signed to the Redskins' 53-man roster last November off the Jaguars' practice squad and served as the 3rd-string quarterback behind Jason Campbell and Todd Collins for the remainder of the season.

He was unheard of by many until the beginning of training camp, when the Redskins released '08 draft pick and fan favorite Colt Brennan in favor of Bartel.

I think this guy's got talent and has a good chance at making the final roster.

John Beck: The Former 2nd-Round Pick with No Chance

3 of 4

The former 2nd-round pick was acquired from Baltimore when Brennan was released.

John Beck entered the league in '07 when he was drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins. He was thrown into the fire early by the 1-15 Dolphins and threw only 1 TD and 4 INTs.

He was traded by the Dolphins to the Ravens the next year after the success of Chad Pennington. When the Ravens signed veteran Marc Bulger, he was traded to Washington.

He just needs a chance and he may have found it with Washington. He played poorly against the Bills but better against the Jets, throwing for 77 yards.

He still has the Arizona game to prove himself, but I think he is the odd man out.