Interim coach Bill Callahan wasn’t ready to name the Redskins’ starting quarterback Monday, but he’s apparently leaning one way. Rookie Dwayne Haskins is expected to start after the bye week, according to a new report from the NFL Network.
That means Haskins will get his first start at home when the Redskins face the New York Jets on Nov. 17 at FedEx Field. The 22-year-old is coming off his first career start in which he threw for 144 yards and completed 68% of his passes in a 24-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Haskins was praised for protecting the football and having a better command of the offense.
The Redskins have seven games left to evaluate Haskins, who the team took 15th overall last April. This season, Washington has been hesitant to play the rookie quarterback with Callahan and former coach Jay Gruden both saying he needed time to develop. Haskins received his first start because veteran Case Keenum was ruled out with a concussion.
On Monday, Callahan said he would take his time to name a starter.
“We have a bye week — we don’t play for two weeks — so I just want to gather all the information,” Callahan said. “I want to look at a lot of things on film, go back into the self-scout and I just want to take my time and decide where we’re going to go, the direction that we’re going to go.”
The Redskins practiced Wednesday and will now be off for the next four days. They do not play Sunday as they’re on a bye week.
Fans and experts have called for Haskins to play as Washington is just 1-8. With the season lost, critics have argued the best option is for Haskins to get significant playing time so he can develop further. Asked why he would even consider starting a veteran, Callahan said, “I appreciate the question, I do. I just want to be real clear that I want to take time this week.”
But according to the NFL Network, those calling for Haskins to start the rest of the season could be soon getting their wish. On Instagram, the 22-year-old even commented underneath a post about the report, including a praying emoji.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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