Redskins in 'no rush' to name starting quarterback, Jay Gruden says

E.Jay Zarett

Redskins in 'no rush' to name starting quarterback, Jay Gruden says image

The Redskins' quarterback competition is still open heading into Week 3 of the preseason, coach Jay Gruden told reporters Tuesday. 

"There's no rush to name a starter right now," Gruden said at a press conference. "I think it's important to let these guys go out and play and continue to compete. We'll continue to let them play and see what happens."

Colt McCoy is listed as Washington's starter but he continues to recover from the broken leg he suffered last season and is unlikely to be ready for Week 1, Gruden said earlier this week. 

"It might be two or three weeks into the season (that McCoy returns)," Gruden said, via ESPN. "We don't know yet. There's no timetable for him until he feels like he's 100% to push off that leg. Until that time comes, he's going to be rehabbing."

That leaves veteran Case Keenum and rookie Dwayne Haskins fighting for the job. Washington acquired Keenum from the Broncos in an offseason trade while the team selected Haskins with the No. 15 pick in the 2019 draft. 

"You might have your general thoughts on who (the starter) might be," Gruden said last weekend. "But if something happens in the preseason, Game 3, where you might have to flop them, you never know."

Keenum appears to be in the lead to take the field in Week 1 as Haskins has had an inconsistent preseason. The Ohio State product has completed 53.6% of his passes and thrown one touchdown, along with two interceptions, in two games.

"It's a process," Haskins told ESPN. "By no means am I settling. I know that I want to be great and I know I will be great."

The Redskins will open the regular season Sept. 8 against the Eagles in Philadelphia. 

 

E.Jay Zarett