Redskins rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins could finally get his chance to start as veteran Case Keenum remains in the concussion protocol.
Haskins took the majority of the first-team practice snaps Wednesday, putting him one step closer to making his first NFL start.
“I get hyped every day I get to put a helmet on,” Haskins said (per The Washington Post). “Even more excited to put a first start on film, even more excited about it.”
Washington has struggled to find consistency with their quarterbacks this season since Alex Smith suffered a horrific season-ending leg injury during Week 11 last season. Case Keenum started the first four games of the season, but left Week 4's game against the Giants early with a foot issue. Haskins went in to replace Keenum, but he completed just 9 of 17 passes for 107 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Redskins opted to go with Colt McCoy, who hadn't played since December after suffering a season-ending leg injury, in Week 5 over Haskins. Keenum returned as the starter for Weeks 6-8, but was replaced by Haskins last Thursday in a loss to the Vikings when McCoy entered the concussion protocol at halftime.
Spotted: @dh_simba7 getting extra work/reps in at The St. James this morning. Keep pushing and working hard buddy. #HTTR #redskins pic.twitter.com/B2kxZBdf0I
— Maurisa Potts (@MTPotts) October 26, 2019
Many have questioned why the Redskins haven't started Haskins. Washington interim coach Bill Callahan said last week that the rookie simply isn't ready.
“In all fairness, if we say hey, we are going to put Dwayne in there and see how he does, in some respects, he needs a little bit more work,” Callahan said (via the Post). “Time is invaluable where he can sit back and learn from quarterbacks like Case and Colt as well as players like Alex. It is a fine line. We are trying to win games still. Our dynamic is tough, and it is challenging.”
Callahan went on to explain that the Redskins want to put Haskins in the best possible position to be successful.
"We’ve done extra work with him, and he’s done extra work," Callahan said. "We’re doing everything possible to generate some better execution out of his game that will translate into a win.”
Haskins, 22, has completed 54.5% of his passes for 140 yards with four interceptions and no touchdowns in two appearances.
The Redskins (1-7) will travel to Buffalo to face the Bills (5-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.